Trinity UMC, Huntsville

5.3.26 WHEN THE SPIRIT MOVES: Someone Is Sent

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:00:20 GMT

Acts 8:26–40, Isaiah 56:3–8

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, we continue our series When the Spirit Moves with the message: “Someone Is Sent.” The Spirit does not only move within us, but the Spirit sends us. In Acts 8, Philip is led to a desert road, an ordinary place that becomes a sacred moment. A conversation begins, Scripture is opened, and a life is changed. What’s striking is how simple it is. The Spirit often works not through grand plans, but through attentiveness and willingness. Philip does not control the moment, but he responds to it. And that is often where faithfulness is found.

Reflect and Prepare

Where might God be nudging you to pay attention?
How do you recognize the Spirit’s prompting?
What keeps you from responding?
When have you experienced a meaningful, unexpected conversation?
What does it mean to share faith naturally?
Who in your life might need encouragement right now?
How can you practice attentiveness this week?

God is already at work in the lives of people around us. The question is not whether God is moving, but whether we are paying attention. May we be people who are willing to follow where the Spirit leads.

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

4.26.26 WHEN THE SPIRIT MOVES: Fear Becomes Courage

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:00:25 GMT

Acts 3:1-9; 4:15-20, 2 Timothy 1:7–10

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, we continue When the Spirit Moves with the message: “Fear Becomes Courage.” Fear has a quiet way of shaping our lives. It influences what we say, what we avoid, and how we respond. And yet, in Acts, we see something remarkable when the disciples who once struggled with fear are now speaking with boldness and clarity. What changed? The Spirit. Courage in Scripture is not the absence of fear, but it’s the presence of something greater. It’s the steady conviction that God is at work and that faithfulness matters more than comfort.

Paul reminds us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Reflect and Prepare

What fears tend to shape your decisions?
Where might God be inviting you to act with courage?
How do you distinguish between wisdom and fear?
When have you seen courage grow out of faith?
What does faithful courage look like in your life?
How does God’s presence change how you face uncertainty?
What is one step of courage you can take this week?

The Spirit does not remove every challenge, but it gives us what we need to face them. May we learn to trust that God’s presence is greater than our fear, and step forward in faith.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Dedric

4.19.26 WHEN THE SPIRIT MOVES: The Church Comes Alive

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:00:18 GMT

Acts 2:1–8, 12-13, Ezekiel 37:1–10

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, we continue our series When the Spirit Moves with the message: “The Church Comes Alive.” In Acts 2, everything changes. The disciples are gathered – waiting, praying, uncertain and then suddenly, the Spirit comes. And the church comes alive. What was once hesitant becomes bold. What was once uncertain becomes purposeful. And people begin to ask, “What does this mean?” That question still matters today, because the Spirit does more than create a moment, but it creates life.

Ezekiel’s vision of dry bones reminds us that God has always been in the business of bringing life to what feels empty, tired, or worn down. Many of us know what it feels like for faith to become routine. Acts reminds us that God is not finished in those places. The Spirit still breathes life into what feels dry.

Reflect and Prepare

Where does your faith feel most alive right now?
Where does it feel tired or routine?
What does it mean that the Spirit gives life?
When have you experienced renewal in your faith?
What might God be awakening in you?
How can we remain open to the Spirit as a church?
What would it look like for your faith to come alive again?

The Spirit does not simply sustain what already exists, but it renews, restores, and awakens. My prayer is that we would not settle for going through the motions, but remain open to the life God is still breathing into us.

I’m looking forward to worshiping with you.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

4.12.26 WHEN THE SPIRIT MOVES: We Learn to Wait

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 08:00:16 GMT

Acts 1:1–9, Isaiah 40:28–31

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This week we begin our sermon series, “When the Spirit Moves,” with the message “We Learn to Wait.” The first movement of the Spirit in Acts is not action. It’s waiting. That may feel surprising, even uncomfortable. Because when we think about faith, we often think about “doing” …going, serving, building. But before any of that begins, Jesus gathers his disciples and gives them a single instruction: Do not leave. Wait for the promise. Wait for the Spirit. Wait for the power that does not come from you. Waiting, in Scripture, is never passive. It's an active trust. It’s the discipline of believing that God is at work even when nothing seems to be happening.

The Prophet Isaiah reminds us that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength , not because waiting is easy, but because waiting places us where God can meet us. And if we’re honest, waiting is often where our faith is most tested. It exposes our impatience. It reveals our desire to move ahead of God. It confronts our tendency to rely on ourselves. But it’s also where our faith is formed.

This Sunday, we begin not with movement, but with stillness. Not with answers, but with trust. And we ask what it might mean for us not just as individuals, but as a church, to wait well.

Reflect and Prepare

Where in your life are you being asked to wait right now?
What emotions surface in seasons of waiting?
How might waiting be forming something deeper in you?
What does it look like to trust God when you don’t yet see the outcome?
Isaiah speaks of renewed strength. Where do you most need that renewal?
How might waiting actually prepare you for what God wants to do next?
What would it mean for you this week to practice intentional trust instead of control?

As we begin this journey, may we resist the urge to rush ahead and instead learn the quiet strength of waiting on God. The Spirit often does some of its deepest work not in what we do, but in who we are becoming.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Carrie

4.5.26 JESUS IN HIGH-RESOLUTION: Now We See Clearly - EASTER SUNDAY

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 08:00:06 GMT

Luke 24:36–49, Isaiah 25:6–9

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

For six weeks, we have asked God to sharpen our vision. And now — Easter.

In Luke 24, the risen Christ stands among the disciples and says, “Peace be with you.” They are startled. They doubt. And Jesus does not shame them. He shows them his hands and feet. He eats with them. He opens their minds.

Easter is not only that the tomb is empty. It is that our eyes are opened. Our fear is met with peace. Our vision is restored. When we see the risen Christ clearly, everything changes.

I hope you will join us for one of our Easter worship services:

7:30 a.m. – Sunrise Communion Service (led by our Youth)
9:30 a.m. – Traditional Service
10:30 a.m. – Contemporary Service

Bring your family. Invite a friend. Come expectant.

Christ is risen!

Pastor Dedric

3.29.26 JESUS IN HIGH-RESOLUTION: Seeing the King Clearly - PALM SUNDAY

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 08:00:05 GMT

Luke 19:28–44, Isaiah 52:7–10

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Palm Sunday is loud with praise, but Luke tells the story with tears. The crowd sees Jesus clearly enough to call him King. But they do not yet understand the kind of king he is. He does not enter with force. He does not seize power. He does not silence opposition. He weeps. It is possible to worship Jesus and still misunderstand him.

This final Lenten small group lesson will help us examine how we define power, peace, and victory, and whether we are prepared to follow a King whose authority is shaped by humility and sacrifice.

Access this week’s Small Group Study here: Jesus in High-Resolution Lenten Small Group Study

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

3.22.26 JESUS IN HIGH-RESOLUTION: Seeing What We Missed

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 08:00:05 GMT

Luke 24:13–35, Isaiah 53:1–6

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Have you ever looked back on a season of your life and realized that God was present in ways you couldn’t see at the time? On the road to Emmaus, the disciples walk with Jesus and do not recognize him. They know the facts. They know what happened. But grief has clouded their imagination.

“We had hoped…” Those words carry the weight of disappointment. And yet, Jesus walks beside them. He listens. He opens Scripture. He breaks bread. Recognition comes slowly. This Sunday, we will reflect on delayed recognition and the gentle ways Christ reveals himself in Scripture, in community, and in ordinary moments.

Our small group lesson will help us practice looking back with holy attentiveness, asking where Christ has been walking with us all along.

Access this week’s Small Group Study here: Jesus in High-Resolution Lenten Small Group Study

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

3.15.26 JESUS IN HIGH-RESOLUTION: What Jesus Really Said

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:00:21 GMT

Luke 4:16–30, Isaiah 58:6–12

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Sometimes resistance to Jesus is not caused by confusion. Sometimes it is caused by clarity. In Nazareth, Jesus reads from Isaiah and announces that the Scripture is fulfilled in him. At first, the crowd admires him. Then they understand him. And when they understand him, they are enraged.

Why? Because Jesus’ words disrupt assumptions. They stretch boundaries. They challenge privilege. They refuse to be edited into something comfortable.

Lent invites us to ask a sobering question: Do we want Jesus clearly or conveniently?

This week’s small group study will help us wrestle honestly with what discipleship requires. Not selective hearing. Not spiritual curation. But courage.

Access this week’s Small Group Study here: Jesus in High-Resolution Lenten Small Group Study

Blessings,

Dedric

3.8.26 JESUS IN HIGH-RESOLUTION: Blind Spots

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:00:19 GMT

Luke 11:33–44, Isaiah 1:10–20

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

By now, we’ve talked about seeing the light and naming where our vision feels blurred. This Sunday, Jesus turns the lens inward. Blind spots are rarely intentional. Most of the time, they are places where we feel most confident and places where we assume we see clearly. And yet, Jesus reminds us that even religious devotion can become misaligned when we stop examining our hearts.

In Luke 11, Jesus speaks not to outsiders, but to faithful people. He challenges the gap between outward practice and inward transformation. It is a hard word, but it is a loving one. Lent is not about shame. It is about alignment. It is about allowing Christ’s light to reach places we didn’t realize needed healing.

In our small group lesson this week, we’ll reflect on how our faith practices shape us and how humility keeps our vision clear.

Access this week’s Small Group Study here: Jesus in High-Resolution Lenten Small Group Study

I look forward to worshiping with you as we allow Jesus to examine us with grace and truth.

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

3.1.26 JESUS IN HIGH-RESOLUTION: Blurred Vision

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:00:52 GMT

Luke 7:18–23, Isaiah 35:3–6

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

By the second week of Lent, the light has been revealed, but clarity has not yet settled.

This Sunday we encounter one of the most honest moments in Luke’s Gospel. John the Baptist, the faithful prophet who announced Jesus, now asks: “Are you the one… or should we look for another?” That question doesn’t come from cynicism. It comes from confinement. From disappointment. From unmet expectations. Even faithful people experience blurred vision.

Jesus does not shame John. He does not lecture him. He points to what is happening: the blind see, the lame walk, the poor hear good news. Clarity comes not through explanation, but through evidence of restoration.

This week’s small group lesson invites us to name honestly where faith feels strained and to trust that God meets us there.

Access this week’s Small Group Study here: J esus in High-Resolution Lenten Small Group Study

See you Sunday!

Pastor Dedric

2.22.26 JESUS IN HIGH-RESOLUTION: Seeing Ourselves Clearly

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 14:40:38 GMT

Luke 2:25-35, Isaiah 60:1-5, 18-22

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Lent does not begin with improvement. It begins with illumination. Before Jesus calls anyone to change, he reveals what is true. Before repentance, there is revelation. Before clarity of action, there is clarity of sight.

This Sunday we meet Simeon, a man who waited long enough, trusted deeply enough, and listened carefully enough to recognize salvation when it was placed quietly in his arms. He did not figure Jesus out. He recognized him.

There is a difference.

In a world that moves quickly and assumes familiarity equals understanding, Lent invites us to slow down and ask: Have we grown so accustomed to the story of Jesus that we no longer see him clearly?

Luke shows us that salvation often arrives quietly, not with spectacle, but with Spirit-shaped discernment. The Light has come. The question is whether we are attentive enough to see it.

This week’s small group lesson will help us reflect on where our vision may have grown dull and how God is inviting us to see with fresh eyes.

Access this week’s Small Group Study here: Jesus in High-Resolution Lenten Small Group Study

Let’s begin this journey by praying not for answers, but for sight.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

2.15.26 SHINING THE LIGHT IN A DIVIDED WORLD: Hope

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 09:00:23 GMT

2 Corinthians 4:6–9, 16–18

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Hope is the light that endures when the journey feels long. It is not optimism that ignores hardship, nor is it wishful thinking that everything will turn out easily. Biblical hope is deeper than that. It is the quiet confidence that God is still at work, renewing strength, sustaining faith, and shaping something good even when we cannot yet see it.

Isaiah speaks to a weary people who are tempted to believe they have been forgotten. Into that exhaustion, the prophet proclaims a steady truth: the Lord does not grow tired or weary. God gives strength to the powerless and renews those who wait on Him. Hope, in this sense, is not passive. It is an act of trust; a decision to keep walking, even when the pace feels slow.

Paul echoes this same hope in 2 Corinthians. He does not deny suffering; he names it plainly. We are pressed, perplexed, and sometimes knocked down. And yet, Paul insists, we are not crushed, not abandoned, and not destroyed. The light of God shines within fragile vessels, reminding us that our strength does not come from ourselves, but from God who is faithful.

This hope shaped the witness of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In his speech “ Our God Is Marching On ,” delivered at the conclusion of the Selma to Montgomery march, King spoke to a movement that had known deep suffering and sacrifice. Still, he proclaimed that the arc of God’s justice bends toward hope, not because the road is easy, but because God is faithful. His words continue to remind us that hope is sustained by perseverance and grounded in trust.

Reflect and Prepare

Where do you find yourself most in need of renewed strength right now?
What does it mean to “hope in the Lord” when circumstances feel uncertain?
How do Isaiah’s words speak to seasons of weariness or waiting in your life?
Paul says we carry God’s light in “clay jars.” What does that teach us about vulnerability and faith?
When has hope sustained you through a difficult season?
How can hope be practiced, not just felt?
Where might God be inviting Trinity to embody hope for others?

Hope does not mean the road is easy, but it means we trust God to walk with us every step of the way.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

2.8.26 SHINING THE LIGHT IN A DIVIDED WORLD: Perseverance

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:00:56 GMT

Luke 18:1–8, Hebrews 12:1–3

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Perseverance is one of the quiet virtues of the Christian life. It rarely draws attention to itself, yet it sustains faith over the long haul. Perseverance is what carries us when prayers feel unanswered, when progress feels slow, and when the weight of life makes us wonder if continuing is worth the effort. As we continue our series, Shining the Light in a Divided World, Scripture invites us to consider how God’s light strengthens us not just for moments of clarity, but for seasons of endurance.

In Luke 18, Jesus tells a parable about persistence in prayer. A widow repeatedly brings her plea before an unjust judge, one who neither fears God nor respects people. She keeps showing up. She keeps asking. And eventually, justice is granted, not because the judge is righteous, but because the widow refuses to give up. Jesus’ point is not that God is reluctant or dismissive, but the opposite: if even an unjust judge responds to persistence, how much more will a faithful God hear the cries of those who trust Him?

Hebrews 12 offers another image: the life of faith as a race. We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, those who have gone before us, endured hardship, and remained faithful. The writer urges us to lay aside whatever weighs us down and to fix our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for the sake of the joy set before him. Perseverance does not mean denying pain or pretending the journey is easy. It means remembering why we run and who runs with us.

This understanding of perseverance shaped the witness of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In his address “ Keep Moving from This Mountain ,” delivered to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1965, King spoke to leaders who were weary from struggle and resistance. He acknowledged discouragement honestly yet urged them not to stop short of the vision God had set before them. His words remind us that perseverance is not passive resignation, but faithful movement forward; step by step, prayer by prayer, act by act.

Perseverance does not always look dramatic. Often, it looks like continuing to love when it would be easier to withdraw, continuing to pray when answers feel distant, continuing to believe when circumstances are heavy. It is the light that keeps shining because it is rooted in God’s faithfulness, not our own strength.

This Sunday, perseverance will move from Scripture into shared action.

Super Serve Sunday – One Combined Service

This week, we will gather for one combined worship service at 10:00 a.m. in the New Room for Super Serve Sunday. Following worship, our Boy Scouts will host a soup lunch, and then together we will pack 60,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger, a tangible way to shine Christ’s light through service and perseverance.

This is faith lived out with our hands and feet. It is prayer made visible. It is a reminder that perseverance is not only about what we endure, but also about what we choose to build together for the sake of others.

Registration is required to participate in the meal packing event. Please register HERE .

We also invite you to bring canned food items this Sunday to help stock the pantry for Huntsville Assistance Program (HAP). Each item is a small act of faithfulness that becomes part of a larger witness of care and compassion in our community.

Reflect and Prepare

As you prepare for worship, I invite you to consider these questions:

Where have you felt discouraged or weary recently?
What does Jesus’ parable teach you about persistence in prayer?
What “extra baggage” might be slowing your spiritual journey?
Who are the witnesses (past or present) who inspire you to keep going?
How does fixing your eyes on Jesus reshape how you face difficulty?
When has perseverance deepened your faith rather than diminished it?
Where might God be calling Trinity to endure with hope and trust?

Be the Light This Week

Perseverance often shows up in small, faithful acts. This week, we invite you to Be the Light by naming one intentional act of faithfulness: prayer, service, encouragement, or patience that you will practice in Jesus’ name. Write it down and place it inside one of the lanterns in our lobbies. Each act is a quiet testimony that God’s light continues to shine.

Walk the Journey Together

Faith is not meant to be carried alone. Our Share the Dream small groups provide space to reflect on Scripture and Dr. King’s teachings alongside others who are seeking to grow and endure together. Groups meet on Sundays and Thursdays. Visit trinityhsv.org/events for more information.

My prayer is that God would strengthen our hearts for the journey and that we would not grow weary in doing good, but trust that God is at work even when the road feels long. May Christ’s light sustain us, guide us, and remind us that perseverance is never wasted in the hands of a faithful God.

See you Sunday,

Pastor Dedric

2.1.26 SHINING THE LIGHT IN A DIVIDED WORLD: Freedom

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 09:00:08 GMT

Galatians 5:1, 13–14, Exodus 14:13–16, 21–22

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Freedom is one of the great gifts of the Christian faith and one of the most easily misunderstood. Scripture reminds us that freedom is not simply the absence of restraint, but the presence of love. It is the space God creates for us to live fully, faithfully, and for the sake of others.

In Galatians 5, Paul declares, “Christ has set us free for freedom.” Yet he is quick to clarify what that freedom looks like. Christian freedom is not self-serving; it is self-giving. We are liberated not to turn inward, but to serve one another through love. Freedom, in Christ, always moves us toward relationship, responsibility, and care for our neighbor.

The story of the Exodus gives us a powerful image of this truth. Standing at the edge of the Red Sea, the Israelites find themselves trapped between the waters and the pursuing army. God’s command is not complicated, but it is bold: “Don’t be afraid. Stand your ground.” And then, when the way opens, God tells them to move forward. Freedom requires trust. It asks us to step into the unknown, believing that God is already making a way.

This understanding of freedom shaped the witness of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In his sermon “ The Drum Major Instinct ,” preached just weeks before his death, King challenged the human desire for recognition and importance. He urged the church to redefine greatness, not as power over others, but as service for others. True freedom, he believed, is found when we are released from the need to be first and are free to love.

This Sunday, as we gather around The Lord’s Table, we’ll reflect on what it means to live into the freedom Christ offers; a freedom that heals, serves, and unites.

Reflect and Prepare

How do you understand freedom through the lens of your faith?
What does Paul mean when he says freedom should be expressed through love?
Where might God be inviting you to trust Him and move forward in faith?
What fears or habits keep you from living freely in Christ?
How does the Exodus story speak to moments when you feel stuck or uncertain?
In what ways can freedom become a gift we offer others, not just something we claim for ourselves?
How might Christ be calling our church to embody freedom through service?

Be the Light This Week

Freedom in Christ creates space for generosity. This week, we invite you to Be the Light by choosing one act of service or kindness you will offer freely in Jesus’ name. Write it down and place it inside one of the lanterns on display, or submit online and we'll add your flame into a lantern. Each act is a reminder that Christ’s freedom is meant to be shared.

Grow Together

Living into freedom is not something we do alone. Our Share the Dream small groups provide space to reflect on Scripture and Dr. King’s teachings alongside others who are seeking to grow in faith. Groups meet on Sundays and Thursdays. Visit trinityhsv.org/events for more information.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Dedric

1.25.26 SHINING THE LIGHT IN A DIVIDED WORLD: Justice

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 09:00:50 GMT

Luke 10:30–37, Amos 5:13b–15, 21–24

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Justice is not a side issue in Scripture—it is central to the heart of God. From the prophets to the teachings of Jesus, God consistently reveals a deep concern for those who are vulnerable, overlooked, or treated as less than. As we continue our series, Shining the Light in a Divided World, we are reminded that God’s light does not merely expose what is wrong; it calls us to help make things right.

In Amos, God speaks with unmistakable urgency: “I hate, I despise your festivals… But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” These are sobering words. God is not impressed by worship that is disconnected from justice. Praise that does not lead to compassion, and prayer that does not lead to action, fall short of God’s desire for the world. Justice, in Scripture, is not optional. It is an expectation.

Jesus brings this truth to life in the parable of the Good Samaritan. A man is beaten, robbed, and left for dead. Two religious leaders see him—and pass by. Perhaps they were afraid. Perhaps they were busy. Perhaps they assumed someone else would help. But the Samaritan, the unexpected outsider, sees the man and is moved to act. He crosses the road. He binds wounds. He pays the cost. He restores dignity.

Our natural responses in the face of brokenness are often to retaliate or to pass by—to strike back, or to look away. But as followers of Christ, we are called to something deeper and more demanding. We are called to righteousness and justice. Not revenge. Not avoidance. But restoration. Justice is our obligation whenever one human being is treated as less valuable than another. To see. And to act. To help make right what has been made wrong through righteous and merciful means.

This conviction was at the heart of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s ministry. In his “ Eulogy for the Martyred Children ,” preached after the tragic bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, King refused to respond with hatred or despair. Instead, he named injustice with clarity, grieved with honesty, and pointed to a higher hope. He reminded the world that these children were not victims in vain—that their deaths exposed the cruelty of racism and summoned the conscience of a nation.

King did not call for retaliation. He called for transformation. He believed that even in the face of unspeakable evil, God’s justice and love would have the final word. His faith was not sentimental. It was resilient. It was rooted in the deep conviction that God’s light shines even in the darkest places—and that it calls God’s people to courageous, costly action.

This Sunday, we will ask what it means to shine the light of Christ through justice in our own time and place. What does it look like to be people who do not ignore suffering? Who do not explain away inequality? Who do not pass by on the other side? What does it mean to be a church that sees, cares, and acts?

Working to bring about justice isn’t being political. It is being faithful. It is about reflecting the heart of a God who sees every person as sacred and every life as worthy of dignity.

Reflect and Prepare

As you prepare for worship, I invite you to sit with these questions:

1. Where do you see injustice in your world—near or far—and how does it affect you?

2. When have you been tempted to pass by rather than step in? What held you back?

3. Who in your life might need you to see them more fully right now?

4. What does the Good Samaritan teach you about compassion across difference?

5. Where might God be inviting you to act with courage, mercy, and integrity?

6. How can Trinity be a stronger witness for justice in Huntsville?

7. What would it look like for justice to “roll down” in your daily life—at work, at school, in your relationships?

Be the Light This Week

A Christ-shaped conscience is revealed through everyday choices. This week, we invite you to Be the Light by naming one intentional act of kindness, courage, or compassion you will practice in Jesus’ name. Write it down and place it inside one of the lanterns on display in our lobbies, or submit online and we'll add your flame into a lantern. Each small act becomes part of a larger witness and illuminates our community with grace and hope.

Walk the Journey Together

Faith grows best when we reflect and learn alongside others. Our Share the Dream small groups offer space to engage Scripture and Dr. King’s writings with honesty, curiosity, and grace. Groups meet on Sundays and Thursdays. Visit trinityhsv.org/events for more information.

My prayer is that God’s heart for justice would take root in us and grow through us—that we would be a people who do not look away, who do not grow weary, and who do not settle for comfort when God is calling us to compassion. May we be a church that sees every person as God’s beloved, and every injustice as a holy invitation to act.

May the light of Christ shine through us as we seek to love what God loves and to stand where God stands.

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

1.18.26 SHINING THE LIGHT IN A DIVIDED WORLD: Conscience

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 09:00:42 GMT

Romans 12:9–21, Micah 6:6–8

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Conscience is one of the ways God’s light guides our lives. It is that inner awareness shaped by Scripture, prayer, and the movement of the Holy Spirit that helps us discern what is good, true, and faithful. In a world filled with noise, division, and quick reactions, conscience helps us slow down and listen for God’s leading.

In Romans 12, the Apostle Paul describes what a Christ-shaped conscience looks like. It is love without pretense. It is honoring one another, welcoming the stranger, and refusing to repay evil with evil. Paul reminds us that faith is not only something we profess, but something we practice, especially in how we respond when life is difficult or relationships are strained. Micah echoes this same call with clarity and depth: to do justice, to embrace faithful love, and to walk humbly with God.

This conviction shaped the ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In “ Letter from Birmingham Jail ,” written in 1963 while imprisoned for nonviolent protest, King addressed fellow clergy who urged patience and restraint. From his cell, he articulated a conscience deeply formed by the Gospel and one that could not remain silent in the face of injustice. His words invite the church to examine whether our faith is leading us toward comfort or toward faithful action rooted in love.

This Sunday, we will reflect on what it means to allow the light of Christ to shape our conscience in our own time.

Reflect and Prepare

How do you understand conscience as part of your faith journey?
Where do you sense God inviting you to live with greater integrity or compassion?
What does Paul mean when he urges us to “overcome evil with good”?
When has it been difficult to hold conviction and humility together?
Micah says God requires us to “walk humbly.” What might that look like in your daily life?
How can a Christ-shaped conscience guide the way we speak to and treat one another?
Where might God be inviting Trinity to bear witness through faithful love?

Be the Light This Week

Walk the Journey Together

May Christ’s light shape our hearts, our choices, and the way we live with one another.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Dedric

1.11.26 SHINING THE LIGHT IN A DIVIDED WORLD: Love

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:09:14 GMT

Matthew 5:43–48, 1 John 4:7–11, 16b, 19–21

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Love is at the very heart of who God is. Scripture does not merely tell us that God gives love – it declares that God is love. From the earliest pages of the Bible to the life and teachings of Jesus, love is revealed as the defining mark of God’s presence and the distinguishing sign of God’s people. As we continue our series, Shining the Light in a Divided World , we are reminded that love is not sentimental or shallow – it is courageous, sacrificial, and transformative.

In Matthew 5, Jesus offers one of the most challenging commands in all of Scripture: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” This is not a call to passive niceness, but to holy boldness. It is an invitation to reflect the very character of God, who pours out grace on the righteous and the unrighteous alike. In a world that teaches us to draw lines, build walls, and protect our own, Jesus teaches us to widen the circle.

The apostle John echoes this truth with unmistakable clarity: “Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God… If we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us” (1 John 4). Love is not optional for the Christian life. It is the evidence that God’s light is truly shining within us.

This conviction was at the core of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s ministry. In his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech , King dared to imagine a world shaped not by hatred, fear, or division, but by justice, dignity, and siblinghood. His dream was not rooted in political ideology, but in biblical hope – hope that one day, people would be judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. His vision was, at its core, a vision of love in action.

Dr. King understood that love is not weak. It is not naïve. It is the most powerful force for change the world has ever known. Love confronts injustice. Love speaks truth. Love refuses to dehumanize. Love keeps showing up, even when it is costly.

This Sunday, we will ask what it means to shine the light of Christ through love in our own time and place. What does it look like to love in a divided world? To love across difference? To love when it would be easier to withdraw, ignore, or harden our hearts?

Reflect and Prepare

As you prepare for worship, I invite you to reflect on these questions:

Who has been hardest for you to love lately, and why?
Where might Jesus be inviting you to love more boldly or more generously?
How does knowing that God is love reshape how you see yourself and others?
When have you experienced love that changed you?
What would it look like for Trinity to be known in Huntsville as a church that loves without condition?
How might your words, actions, or attitudes shine Christ’s love this week?
Where do you long to see healing, reconciliation, or restoration? And how might love be the first step?

Be the Light This Week

Walk the Journey Together

My prayer is that the love of Christ would take root in us and grow through us – that it would soften what has become hardened, heal what has been wounded, and bridge what has been divided. May we be a people who do not just speak about love, but live it. May our lives reflect the truth that God’s light shines brightest when love leads the way.

Blessings,

Carrie

1.4.26 SHINING THE LIGHT IN A DIVIDED WORLD (Holy Communion)

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 09:00:05 GMT

John 1:1–5, 9–14; Isaiah 60:1–5

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Light is one of Scripture’s most powerful images for the presence of God. From the first words of Genesis, “Let there be light,” to John’s declaration that “the light shines in the darkness,” light reveals God’s creative and redeeming work in the world. As we begin a new year and our series, Shining the Light in a Divided World , we remember that Christ’s light does not fade with circumstance. It remains steady, even when the world feels dim.

John reminds us that the Word became flesh and made his home among us. God did not shine light from a distance, but stepped into our humanity, our neighborhoods, and our divisions. This conviction shaped the ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In his 1967 sermon, “ A Christmas Sermon on Peace, ” preached at Ebenezer Baptist Church, King challenged the church to seek not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice and shared humanity. His words help us see how the light of Christ can be lived out in divided times, and they continue to speak with clarity and hope today.

This Sunday, we’ll ask what it means to live as children of light in our own time.

Reflect and Prepare

Where do you see darkness in your world, and how might Christ’s light bring renewal there?
How does John’s image of the Word made flesh reshape your understanding of God’s presence today?
When has someone else’s faith illuminated your path?
What habits or fears might be dimming your light?
Isaiah says, “Lift up your eyes and look around.” What might that invitation mean for you this year?
In what ways can Trinity shine Christ’s light more boldly in Huntsville?
How might you practice peace this week in conversation, service, or prayer?

Intentional Acts of Kindness

As part of our series, each Sunday, we invite you to Be the Light by writing down one intentional act of kindness you’ll do in Jesus’ name and place it inside one of the lanterns on display in one of the lobbies, or submit online and we'll add your flame into a lantern. Together, these lanterns will shine with hundreds of promises to love, serve, and bring hope throughout our city.

Join a Small Group

It’s not too late to join a Share the Dream small group as we journey together through Scripture and Dr. King’s writings. Groups meet on Sundays and Thursdays. Visit trinityhsv.org/events for more information.

My prayer is that the light of Christ would shine in us and through us, bringing God’s grace to every place that needs it.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Dedric

12.28.25 Holding the Messiah

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 09:15:34 GMT

Luke 2:25-32, Isaiah 25:1, 9

Over the past four weeks of Advent we have been on a journey, seeking to find the Christ Child. The themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love have been the path that ended at the manger. We dealt with John’s proclamations, Shepherds scared to death, Magi seeking for the unknown, and an angry King who wants to protect himself. All of these create Advent the story. Have you felt the passion and power of that journey? During this season have you had the yearning to come face to face with a baby knowing that you will be looking into the face of God?

The Isaiah text speaks of Advent: It will be said on that day, “See, this is our God; we have waited for him. But the Luke text is different. Christ is here – now! My eyes have seen your salvation.

Today we transition from looking for the Messiah to holding the Messiah. We do not need to rush from this place. Enjoy the moment. Listen to the cooing, crying, giggling baby and take it all in. This is the beginning of a new journey.

Pastor Jonathan

12.24.25: “Heaven Breaks Through”

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 09:00:36 GMT

Luke 2:1–20

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Christmas is the night when heaven breaks through.

This Christmas Eve, our sermon is entitled “Heaven Breaks Through.” At the heart of the story is the good news announced to shepherds: “I bring you good news of great joy for all the people. To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”

The birth of Jesus is the moment when heaven touches earth in the most personal way. Not in a palace, but in a stable. Not to kings, but to shepherds. Not with fanfare, but with simplicity. And yet, in that humble scene, the fullness of God’s promise is revealed through hope, peace, joy, and love wrapped in swaddling clothes.

What we learn from the shepherds is this: God’s good news is for everyone. The forgotten, the ordinary, the overlooked – all are invited to witness heaven breaking through in Jesus Christ. And because of that, we can live with confidence that God is still breaking through today, even when it is hard to see.

As we prepare for worship, I invite you to consider:

Christmas Eve Worship Services

We will gather for three services: 4 pm Contemporary Service with glowsticks and Holy Communion, and 7 pm and 10 pm Traditional Services with candlelight and Communion.

Bring your family, your friends, and your neighbors—there’s a place for everyone at the manger. I look forward to celebrating the wonder of Christmas with you.

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Dedric

12.21.25 HEAVEN BREAKS THROUGH Barriers with Love

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 09:00:10 GMT

Matthew 2:1-12, 16-18

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

We live in a world full of barriers, both visible and invisible. Barriers of culture, status, religion, politics, backgrounds, and assumptions. Barriers that divide people into “insiders” and “outsiders.” And sometimes, without realizing it, we guard those walls as if God Himself built them.

This Sunday in our Advent series Heaven Breaks Through , we meet two very different responses to the birth of Jesus. On one side stands King Herod, an insider with power, position, and access. On the other side stand the Magi, foreigners from a distant land, outside the Jewish faith, unfamiliar with Scripture, traditions, or prophecy.

Yet when heaven breaks through, the story doesn’t unfold the way we expect.

God doesn’t send an angel to the Magi. He doesn’t quote a prophet. Instead, God speaks their language – astronomy – and places a star in the sky. These outsiders didn’t know the covenant story, but they knew how to read the heavens. So God met them where they were, in a way they could understand.

And their response?

They looked.

They traveled.

They searched.

And when they found the Christ child, their hearts erupted in love. Matthew says they were “overwhelmed with joy.” They knelt. They worshiped. They offered generous, extravagant gifts. Outsiders stepped across every barrier, and love overflowed.

Meanwhile, Herod, the insider, felt threatened. Instead of worship, he plotted. Instead of joy, he was terrified. Instead of love, he was driven by violence and destruction. His fear built walls higher. His power turned inward. His heart closed tight.

It’s a pattern we see throughout Scripture, like the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears while the Pharisee stood shocked and offended. Sometimes the ones who think they are closest to God struggle the most when God’s love breaks through in unexpected ways.

Because here’s the truth:

Heaven’s love doesn’t play by our rules.

God’s love crosses lines we would never cross.

And often, the biggest barriers are not around us—but within us.

As we prepare for worship, consider:

Where might you be drawing lines between “insiders” and “outsiders” in your own life?
How has God spoken to you in unexpected ways through unexpected people?
What barriers (fear, pride, assumptions, past hurt) might God be inviting you to release?
How can you respond like the Magi with joy, humility, worship, and generosity?
Where might God be calling you to love beyond comfort, tradition, or expectation?

If you’ve ever felt like an outsider, this Sunday is for you. And if you’ve ever realized that your heart has built barriers, this Sunday is for you too. Because when Jesus enters the world, love crosses every divide. Walls crumble. Fear loses ground. And heaven breaks through with a love big enough for all.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Carrie

12.14.25 HEAVEN BREAKS THROUGH Expectations with Joy

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:00:26 GMT

Luke 1:26-38, 46-56

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Sometimes life feels scripted. Expectations are laid out for us: what we should do, who we should be, and how the future is supposed to unfold. But often, God has something more in mind.

This Sunday, we continue our Advent series Heaven Breaks Through with a message entitled “Heaven Breaks Through Expectations with Joy.” Our guide is Mary, a young woman whose life path seemed ordinary and predictable. She would marry, raise a family, and live a quiet life in her village. But then Gabriel appeared with a message that would change everything: she would bear the Son of God.

What’s striking about Mary is not her circumstances, but her response. Unlike Zechariah, she did not dismiss the angel’s message. Though surprised, she believed the impossible was possible with God. Her words, “Here I am, let it be with me according to your word,” show a faith that embraces God’s greater vision over human expectation. And in her song, “the Magnificat,” Mary bursts into joy, celebrating the God who lifts up the lowly and fulfills His promises.

What we learn from Mary is this: joy is not found in everything going as planned, but in trusting that God’s possibilities are greater than our expectations.

As we prepare for worship, I invite you to consider:

Where might God be inviting you to release your expectations? And what new joy might be waiting when you trust His possibilities?
How do Mary’s circumstances highlight the difference between human expectations and God’s possibilities?
Why do you think Mary responded with belief and trust instead of doubt?
What does Mary’s song (Luke 1:46–56) reveal about the source of true joy?
Where in your life might God be breaking through expectations with new joy?

If you feel weighed down by the pressure of expectations—your own or others’—this Sunday is for you. Join us as we discover that heaven’s joy is greater than any plan we could make.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Dedric

12.7.25 HEAVEN BREAKS THROUGH Turmoil with Peace

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 09:00:26 GMT

Matthew 1:18-25, 2:13-15, 19-23

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Sometimes life feels like it’s spinning faster than we can hold together. Plans fall apart. Relationships strain. Fear and uncertainty creep in. Turmoil has a way of stealing our breath – and our peace.

This Sunday in our Advent series Heaven Breaks Through , we turn to the story of Joseph, a man caught in a storm he never expected. Mary was pregnant. The child wasn’t his. The future looked confusing, painful, and humiliating. By every social measure, Joseph had reason to walk away. As a man of good character, he chose the kindest option available to him – quietly ending the engagement instead of exposing Mary to shame or even death. On his own, he made a compassionate choice.

But God had more for Joseph, and more for the world, than Joseph could see.

Through a dream, God invited Joseph to take a different path:

Stay with Mary.

Name the child Jesus: “God saves.”

Raise Him with integrity and faith.

It was a choice that meant swimming upstream. It meant judgment, whispers, resistance, and hardship. Nothing about Joseph’s circumstances promised calm or comfort. But the peace God offered wasn’t about circumstances, it was about trust. Joseph discovered that true peace comes not from everything around us being settled, but from trusting and following God’s guidance.

And this wasn’t a one-time moment. Three different times, God spoke to Joseph through dreams guiding him to stay, to flee, to return – all fulfilling what the prophets had spoken generations before. Joseph could recognize God’s voice because he had cultivated a life of righteousness, Scripture, prayer, and obedience. He was in tune with God long before the crisis came. That relationship allowed him to trust when the path made no sense.

Joseph teaches us that peace isn’t the absence of turmoil. It is the presence of God in the middle of it.

As we prepare for worship, consider:

Where do you feel turmoil or confusion in your life right now?
Are you making decisions based solely on what seems reasonable or are you listening for God’s voice?
What might it look like to trust God even when others don’t understand?
How have you experienced peace that didn’t come from your circumstances, but from God’s presence?
What practices help you stay “in tune” with God so you can recognize His guidance when it comes?

If your heart feels unsettled, if you’re carrying worry, or if the future feels uncertain, this Sunday is for you. Come and discover that when turmoil surrounds us, heaven breaks through with peace.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Carrie

11.30.25 HEAVEN BREAKS THROUGH Despair with Hope

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:00:42 GMT

Luke 1:5-25, 57-79

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Sometimes hope feels hard to hold on to. Sometimes it feels delayed, even forgotten like our prayers are met with silence.

This Sunday, we begin our Advent series Heaven Breaks Through with a message entitled “Heaven Breaks Through Despair with Hope.” Our guides are Zechariah and Elizabeth, a faithful couple who had given up on the dream of having a child. They were old, labeled “barren,” and burdened with the sense of disgrace. Their story mirrors the people of Israel, who had been waiting for centuries, weary from silence and longing for God to act.

Even when the angel Gabriel appeared in the temple, Zechariah struggled to believe. Yet God was not finished. Elizabeth conceived a son who would prepare the way for the Messiah. And in naming him John, “the grace of God,” they discovered that heaven’s timing is never late, even when it feels delayed.

What we learn from Zechariah and Elizabeth is this: God has a way of breaking through despair with surprising hope. Hope that is not rooted in circumstances, but in the faithful promises of God.

As we prepare for worship, I invite you to consider:

Where in your life do you feel like hope has been lost? And could it be that God is still at work—planting seeds of grace you cannot yet see?
How do you relate to Zechariah and Elizabeth’s long season of waiting?
Why do you think hope often feels harder to trust when it’s delayed?
What does John’s name, “the grace of God,” teach us about the source of our hope?
Where might God be inviting you to hold on to hope in this season of Advent?

If you’re weary, discouraged, or wondering whether God still remembers—you are not alone. This Sunday is for you. Join us as we discover that when despair feels overwhelming, heaven breaks through with hope.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Dedric

11.23.25 TRINITY TOGETHER TOWARD TOMORROW: Extending the Table

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:00:38 GMT

Luke 14:15-24, John 1:43-46

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, we conclude our vision series, Trinity Together Toward Tomorrow, with a message titled “Extending the Table.” As we look ahead to the next chapter of Trinity’s ministry, we are reminded that the heart of the gospel is invitation - God making room for us, and God calling us to make room for others.

In Luke 14, Jesus tells a parable of a great banquet prepared for many guests. When the invitations go out, the original invitees offer excuses - good excuses, reasonable excuses, but still excuses that keep them from the feast. So the host widens the circle. He sends his servant into the streets and alleyways to bring in those who never would have expected an invitation: the poor, the crippled, the blind, the lame. And when even that group fills the room only partway, the host sends him out again - farther, wider, deeper - urging others to come until the house is full.

This is the generous, expansive heart of God. A God who refuses to let the table sit half-empty. A God who goes looking for the overlooked. A God who will not rest until every seat is filled with someone who knows they belong.

We see this same spirit in John 1, when Philip meets Jesus and immediately goes to find his friend Nathanael. Nathanael is skeptical: “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” But Philip doesn’t argue, debate, or defend. He simply says, “Come and see.” Invitation, not pressure. Hospitality, not coercion. Relationship, not rhetoric.

As we step into Trinity’s future, this is the posture we want to embody: a church shaped by radical welcome. A church that looks for ways to extend the table into our neighborhoods, our friendships, our ministries, and our worship, so others can discover the grace we ourselves have received.

There is always more room in God’s house. Always another seat to pull up. Always someone waiting for an invitation that might change their life.

My prayer is that this Sunday will inspire us to live with open hands, open hearts, and open doors, trusting that when we extend the table, Christ meets us there.

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

11.16.25 TRINITY TOGETHER TOWARD TOMORROW: Where Belonging Begins

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:00:45 GMT

Colossians 3:12-17, H ebrews 10:19-25

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, we continue our vision series Trinity Together Toward Tomorrow with a message titled “Where Belonging Begins.”

In Colossians 3, Paul paints a picture of what life looks like when a community truly belongs to Christ. He writes, “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience… and above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” In other words, faith isn’t meant to be worn privately, but it’s meant to be lived together. When we practice these virtues in community, the love of Christ becomes visible in our words, our attitudes, and our actions.

The writer of Hebrews echoes that same heartbeat of discipleship: “Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering… and let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together.” When we gather in worship, in small groups, and in service, we strengthen faith and remind one another of the hope we share in Christ.

In this week’s message, we’ll explore how belonging begins when we move from standing beside one another in worship to living side by side in faith. We’ll talk about how God’s design for the church has always been relational—that discipleship grows best in the soil of connection, forgiveness, and shared purpose. We’ll see how belonging often precedes belief, and how a loving, gathered church becomes its own form of witness to the world.

This Sunday’s Serve Day is a living expression of that truth. We’ll come together for one worship service at 10 am in the Sanctuary, share a Thanksgiving meal, and then serve throughout our church and community. As we worship, eat, and work together, we’ll experience what Paul meant when he said, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… and be thankful.”

My prayer is that this day will remind us that belonging doesn’t happen by accident, but it happens when we open our hearts to one another. May we continue building a church where everyone has a place to call home.

With gratitude,

Pastor Dedric

11.9.25 TRINITY TOGETHER TOWARD TOMORROW: Rooted and Released

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 09:00:39 GMT

Ephesians 4:11-16, Matthew 28:16-20

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, we begin our three-week vision series, Trinity Together Toward Tomorrow , with a message titled “Rooted and Released.” As we look ahead to the future God is shaping for Trinity, we start with the truth that spiritual growth is never an end in itself. God roots us deeply in Christ so that we can be released to participate in his mission with courage, purpose, and love.

In Ephesians 4, Paul reminds us that Christ gives the church gifts - apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers - not for status, but for equipping God’s people. When each person does their part, the whole body grows in unity, maturity, and love. We are no longer spiritual infants tossed around by every shifting opinion or distraction. Instead, we “grow in every way into Christ,” who holds us together and strengthens us for the work ahead.

Spiritual maturity, then, isn’t measured by how much we know, but by how faithfully we live what we know. It’s expressed through love, service, generosity, and the shared work of building up the body of Christ.

Jesus affirms this calling in Matthew 28. Even as some disciples worshipped and others doubted, Jesus met them on the mountain and released them with a mission: Go. Make disciples. Baptize. Teach. Trust the presence of Christ every step of the way. The Great Commission is not a call reserved for a few; it is the natural outflow of a rooted life. When Christ is our foundation, we are freed - not pressured, but empowered - to go where he sends us.

As we launch this vision series, we do so with a deep desire to be a church that grows and goes. A church grounded in Scripture and shaped by love. A church committed to forming disciples who serve, give, share, invite, and live the good news beyond our walls.

My prayer is that this Sunday will remind us who we are and who we are becoming: a community rooted in Christ and released for Christ, ready to follow wherever he leads.

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

11.2.25 ALL SAINTS SUNDAY: Held in the Light (Holy Communion)

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 08:00:08 GMT

Matthew 5:14–16; Revelation 7:9-10, 13-17

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Have you ever been stopped by a memory that still warms your heart? Maybe it was a voice you can still hear, a smile you can still picture, or a moment of grace you will never forget. I believe that is what happens when love lingers. The people who shaped our faith, prayed for us, and showed us what it means to live with compassion and courage never truly leave us. Their light keeps shining.

This Sunday, we will celebrate All Saints Sunday with a message entitled “Held in the Light,” based on Matthew 5:14–16 and Revelation 7:9-10, 13–17. Jesus reminds us that we are “the light of the world,” and Revelation gives us a glimpse of that great multitude—people of every nation and story—gathered in the presence of God. Together, these scriptures assure us that the saints we remember are not lost to us. Their light has returned to its Source, and their lives are now held forever in the love of Christ.

Some of the names we will read this Sunday belong to people who were deeply involved in the life of the church; others walked quieter paths of faith. But each life mattered deeply to God. Each one reflected something of Christ’s light in the world. And now, through the mystery of grace, they are gathered and whole.

As we come to the Lord’s Table, we will do so surrounded by “a great cloud of witnesses.” In that moment, heaven and earth touch and the church militant and the church triumphant joined as one. This is the hope of All Saints: that nothing, not even death, can separate us from the light and love of God.

Small Group Discussion Questions:

Jesus calls us the “light of the world.” Who in your life reflected that light in a way that shaped your faith?
Revelation 7 describes a great multitude from every nation gathered before God’s throne. What does that image of unity and diversity teach us about God’s kingdom?
How do you see the light of the saints continuing to shine through your life or in our church community?
How can remembering those who have gone before us deepen our gratitude and strengthen our faith today?
What are some practical ways we can let our light shine, especially in honor of those who first helped light the way for us?

This Sunday will be a holy time of worship, Communion, and remembrance. I hope you will join us as we name the saints of Trinity, give thanks for the gift of their lives, and celebrate the unending light of Christ that holds us all.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

10.26.25 WHAT CAN I GIVE BACK?: A Church that Gives Back (Commitment Sunday)

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 08:00:06 GMT

Acts 2:42-47; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday is one of the most joyful and important days in our church year — Commitment Sunday!

For the past month, we’ve been asking a simple yet life-shaping question from Psalm 116: “What can I give back to the Lord for all the good things he has done for me?” Week by week, we’ve explored how gratitude overflows into generous hearts, Spirit-filled lives, and now, in our final message, a church that gives back together.

Our scriptures for this Sunday, Acts 2:42–47 and 2 Corinthians 9:6–11 , paint a beautiful picture of what happens when God’s people live and give in community. The early church devoted themselves to worship, teaching, fellowship, prayer, and radical generosity — and “the Lord added daily to the community those who were being saved.” Paul reminds us that God provides all we need so that we can be generous in every way, resulting in thanksgiving to God.

That’s what Commitment Sunday is all about. It’s more than filling out a card. It’s an act of worship, a moment where each of us says:

I believe in the mission of this church.

I trust God to provide for my needs.

I want to be part of something that changes lives in the name of Jesus.

During worship, we will each be invited to bring forward our 2026 Estimate of Giving Card as a visible, tangible expression of our commitment to Christ’s work through Trinity. Just as the bread and cup are signs of God’s grace, our giving becomes a sign of our gratitude.

This is a celebration of what God is doing among us and through us. When we give back together, we become a living witness to the love of Christ in Huntsville and beyond.

Small Group & Personal Reflection Questions:

Acts 2 describes a church devoted to worship, learning, fellowship, prayer, and generosity. Which of these has most shaped your faith?
Paul says God “will provide you with more than enough” so you can be generous in every way. How have you experienced that promise in your own life?
How does giving as part of a church family differ from giving on your own?
What excites you most about the ministry our church can accomplish together in 2026?
What step of faith is God inviting you to take as you make your commitment this Sunday?
How does your giving reflect your gratitude for all God has done for you?

I can’t wait to worship with you on this special day. Come ready to celebrate, to give thanks, and to say with joy, “Here’s what I can give back to the Lord.”

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

Want to explore more about “What Can I Give Back?” Visit our 2025 Stewardship page for resources, stories, and ways to participate: trinityhsv.org/stewardship

10.19.25 WHAT CAN I GIVE BACK?: Lives that Give Back

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 08:00:06 GMT

1 Peter 4:8-11, Galatians 5:22-2

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This week, we continue our Stewardship series with a message entitled “Lives That Give Back.” In 1 Peter 4, we are reminded that every one of us has been entrusted with gifts, meant not for self-promotion, but for the good of others. “Serve each other according to the gift each person has received, as good managers of God’s diverse gifts,” the writer urges. In other words, the stewardship of our lives is not about spotlighting our talents, but about offering our presence in love.

Peter begins with a simple but profound command: “Above all, show sincere love to each other.” This echoes Paul’s words in Galatians 5, where the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—becomes the shape of a Spirit-formed life. These aren’t lofty ideals to admire from a distance. They’re daily practices of discipleship, meant to grow in us through community and consistency.

When we ask, “What shall I give back to the Lord?” the answer is often simpler than we think: live faithfully. Love well. Show up. Speak with grace. Serve with joy. Not because we’re trying to earn anything, but because we’ve already received so much. A life that gives back is a life that’s awake to God’s goodness and willing to be poured out for the sake of others.

We may not all be preachers or leaders or up-front people, but we all have something to offer: hospitality, encouragement, a quiet faithfulness, a generous spirit. These, too, are holy gifts. And when we live them out, we bear fruit that the world desperately needs.

Small Group Discussion Questions:

What does it look like to be a good steward of your gifts—not just financially, but relationally and spiritually?
Which fruit of the Spirit do you see growing in your life right now? Which one feels difficult to cultivate?
How can you practice love that is “sincere” this week—not just in feeling, but in action?
What keeps us from offering our lives more fully to God and to others?

This week’s message reminds us that whole-life stewardship is not flashy or complicated – it’s faithful. It’s seen in the quiet ways we live with love, speak with grace, and serve with joy. When we do, we give back to the Lord not just what we have, but who we are.

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

Want to explore more about “What Can I Give Back?” Visit our 2025 Stewardship page for resources, stories, and ways to participate: trinityhsv.org/stewardship

10.12.25 WHAT CAN I GIVE BACK?: Hearts that Give Back

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 08:00:09 GMT

Luke 7:36-50, Matthew 6:1-4, 19-21

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This week, we continue our Stewardship series with a message entitled “Hearts That Give Back.”

In Luke 7, we encounter an unnamed, uninvited, and unexpected woman who becomes the truest worshipper in the room. She kneels at Jesus’ feet, weeping and pouring out costly perfume, not to impress but to express a heart overwhelmed by grace. She says nothing, asks nothing, yet gives everything in a vulnerable act of love. Jesus sees not just her actions but her heart, and declares, “She has shown great love because she has been forgiven much.” Her story stands in stark contrast to the hollow hospitality of her host, reminding us that true worship flows not from duty but from deep gratitude of the heart.

In Matthew 6, Jesus warns us not to practice righteousness for show, not to give, pray, or fast for the sake of applause. Instead, he invites us to store up treasure in heaven, where hearts align with what we truly value. “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

So we ask: What does a heart that gives back look like? It’s not just a generous heart, it’s a grateful one. It’s a heart that remembers what God has done and can’t help but respond with love. This is the kind of stewardship God desires. Not a reluctant donation, but a joyful offering. Not a public performance, but a humble surrender. Not because we have to, but because we want to.

Whether we’re offering a check, a prayer, a listening ear, or a humble act of service, the question isn’t “how much?” but “from what place?” Jesus sees what others miss. He always starts with the heart.

Small Group Discussion Questions:

What do you notice about the woman’s posture and actions in Luke 7? How does her story challenge or inspire you?
In what ways can giving (of time, love, finances, or attention) become more about performance than genuine response?
Jesus says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” What does your current treasure trail say about your priorities?
When have you experienced a moment of deep gratitude that led to a generous response—financial or otherwise?

This week’s message reminds us that God doesn’t just want our stuff, God wants our hearts. Not the part we’ve filtered or polished up for others to see, but the part that weeps in private and knows what grace really means.

You don’t have to have it all together to give something back. Just come with your heart open, and let love lead the way.

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

Want to explore more about “What Can I Give Back?” Visit our 2025 Stewardship page for resources, stories, and ways to participate: trinityhsv.org/stewardship

10.5.25 WHAT CAN I GIVE BACK?: (World Communion Sunday)

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 08:00:03 GMT

Psalm 116:12-13, 17-19, Deuteronomy 8:10-18

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Have you ever had a moment when gratitude just stops you in your tracks? You’re going about your day, and suddenly you realize how much God has done for you: blessings you didn’t earn, mercies you didn’t deserve, and grace that keeps meeting you right where you are. And then you wonder: How do I even begin to give something back to God?

This Sunday, we begin our 2025 Stewardship Series with a message entitled “What Can I Give Back?” grounded in two powerful passages — Psalm 116:12–13, 17–19 and Deuteronomy 8:10–18 . The psalmist asks, “What can I give back to the Lord for all the good things he has done for me?” Deuteronomy reminds God’s people not to forget the One who brought them into the land, sustained them, and gave them the ability to thrive. Together, these scriptures invite us to see stewardship not as an obligation, but as a joyful response to God’s generosity.

And what a perfect Sunday to begin, W orld Communion Sunday , a day when Christians across the globe gather at the Lord’s Table. The bread and cup are tangible reminders of the greatest gift we have ever received: Jesus Christ, who gave His life so that we might have life. In light of that gift, giving back is not a burden, but it’s an act of worship.

As we prepare for Sunday, I invite you to reflect: When you think of God’s blessings in your life, what rises to the top? And how might God be calling you to give back — with your time, your talents, your resources, your presence — in gratitude?

Small Group Discussion Questions:

The psalmist asks, “What can I give back to the Lord?” How would you answer that question in this season of your life?
Deuteronomy 8 reminds us to remember the Lord as the source of all blessings. What helps you keep that perspective?
In your own words, how would you describe stewardship as a spiritual practice rather than a fundraising effort?
How can generosity in time, energy, and resources strengthen your relationship with God and with others?
What is one practical step you could take this month to live with a more grateful and giving spirit?

This series will lead us toward Commitment Sunday on October 26, when each of us will be invited to participate by submitting our 2026 Estimate of Giving Card as an act of worship. It will be a time for us to say together, with our hearts and our commitments, “Here’s what I can give back to the Lord.”

Let’s begin this season of gratitude and generosity together. I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday as we open our hearts to God’s goodness and respond with joyful giving.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

Want to explore more about “What Can I Give Back?” Visit our 2025 Stewardship page for resources, stories, and ways to participate: trinityhsv.org/stewardship

9.28.25 TRUSTING THE COVENANT: All Things New

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 08:00:07 GMT

Revelation 21:1-7, Revelation 2:1-7

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This week’s sermon, “All Things New,” draws from Revelation 21:1–7 and 2:1–7. These passages offer both a vision of the future and a challenge for today. They remind us that the God who will one day wipe away every tear is the same God who invites us now, to return, to remain faithful, and to live with renewed purpose.

In Revelation 2, the church in Ephesus is called to remember its first love. In Revelation 21, the entire world is renewed—healed, restored, and made whole. Between those two passages is our story: a people learning to trust that God is not finished yet.

Where in your life do you need to believe again in new beginnings?

What might it look like to return to your first love for God?

This Sunday is a celebration of renewal, a reminder that no matter how broken things may seem, God is still writing the story—and the ending is one of hope.

Episode 24 New Creation

Day 1: Revelation 1-3

Day 2: Revelation 4:1-8:1

Day 3: Revelation 12-14

Day 4: Revelation 15-17

Day 5: Revelation 19-22

Day 6: Covenant Meditation on Revelation 7:9-17

Day 7: Group Meeting Experience: Our covenant

Small Group Discussion Questions:

Revelation 21 offers a vision of a new heaven and a new earth. What emotions or hopes does this vision stir in you?
Revelation 2 challenges us to return to our “first love.” What practices or experiences once fueled your faith that you might need to return to now?
Where in your life or in our world do you long to see God make “all things new”? What might trusting that promise look like?
How does the hope of God’s future renewal shape the way you live today?

I look forward to worshiping with you as we close this season of Trusting the Covenant with joy and anticipation for what God is making new in each of us.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

To find a small group, purchase a book, or learn more, CLICK HERE .

9.21.25 TRUSTING THE COVENANT: Firmness in Faith

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 08:00:05 GMT

Daniel 3:16-18, 24-25, Daniel 1:8-17

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Have you ever faced a moment where standing firm in your faith came with real risk? Where following God meant going against the grain, and maybe even standing alone? These moments test our character, our courage, and most of all, our trust in God.

This Sunday, we continue in our Trusting the Covenant sermon series with a message entitled “Firmness in Faith,” drawing from two accounts of bold faith in the book of Daniel. In Daniel 1, we meet young exiles choosing faithfulness over comfort, refusing to be shaped by the empire around them. And in chapter 3, we witness Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refusing to bow to the golden statue, even when the cost is a fiery furnace.

Their stories are not just ancient acts of bravery. They are invitations. They ask us: What does it mean to stand firm in today’s world, to live with unwavering faith in a God we cannot always see, but deeply trust? When the heat gets turned up in our lives, will we remain grounded in our covenant with God?

As we prepare for Sunday, I invite you to consider: Where are you being called to stand firm? What does faithful resistance look like in your life?

Episode 23 Hope

Day 1: Daniel 1-2

Day 2: Daniel 3-4

Day 3: Daniel 6

Day 4: Daniel 7

Day 5: Daniel 9

Day 6: Covenant Meditation on Daniel 9:4-19

Day 7: Group Meeting Experience with Daniel 11:27-35

Small Group Discussion Questions:

In Daniel 1, how do you see Daniel and his friends staying true to their identity? Where is God calling you to do the same?
What stands out to you in the story of the fiery furnace? How does God’s presence in the fire change the story?
Have you ever felt like the only one trying to live faithfully in a challenging environment?
What spiritual practices help you remain firm in your convictions, even when it’s difficult?

May this week inspire us all to be people of resilient hope, trusting that God is with us in every fire, shaping us and sustaining us as we live out our faith.

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

To find a small group, purchase a book, or learn more, CLICK HERE .

9.14.25 TRUSTING THE COVENANT: Let It Die

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 08:00:05 GMT

Ezra 3:10-13, 2 Chronicles 15:8-19

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

There are some moments in life when moving forward means letting go. This week in our Trusting the Covenant series, we encounter one of the hardest spiritual truths of all: sometimes, something has to die before something new can be born.

Our sermon is entitled “Let It Die,” and we’re exploring two powerful passages—Ezra 3:10–13 and 2 Chronicles 15:8–19. In Ezra, we witness a bittersweet moment: the foundation of the new temple is being laid, and there is both shouting and weeping. The past glory is gone, and some are grieving its loss. Yet others rejoice because God is doing something new. In 2 Chronicles, we read about King Asa, who chooses to remove idols, repair the altar, and renew the covenant. It’s a story of reformation—but that reformation didn’t come without sacrifice.

Letting go is painful. Whether it’s a dream, a routine, a relationship, or a way of thinking, there’s grief involved. But covenant trust means believing that God isn’t just in the building up—God is also in the tearing down. God is in the pruning, the releasing, the death that makes room for new life.

As we prepare for worship this Sunday, I encourage you to ask: What am I holding onto that might be getting in the way of what God wants to do next?

Episode 22 Restoration

Day 1: 1 Chronicles 10:1-11:9; 28-29

Day 2: 2 Chronicles 33-36

Day 3: Ezra 1; 2:68-6:22

Day 4: Ezra 7-10

Day 5: Nehemiah 1-2; 4; 7:73b-8:18

Day 6: Covenant Meditation on 2 Chronicles 15:12-15

Day 7: Group Meeting Experience with 1 Chronicles 29:10-19

Small Group Discussion Questions:

In Ezra 3, why do you think some people wept while others rejoiced? How do you relate to each reaction?
What does “letting it die” look like in your own life right now? What might God be inviting you to release?
King Asa tore down idols and renewed the altar. What are the modern-day “idols” we may need to remove to return to God more fully?
What gives you hope when something in your life comes to an end? How can community help in the process of release and renewal?

There is grief in letting go—but there is also grace. This Sunday, we’ll hold space for both as we trust that even in endings, God is at work.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

To find a small group, purchase a book, or learn more, CLICK HERE .

9.7.25 TRUSTING THE COVENANT: Invited to Heal and Hope (Holy Communion)

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 08:00:37 GMT

Isaiah 55:1-13, Isaiah 40:1-5

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, we continue our Trusting the Covenant series with a sermon entitled “Invited to Heal and Hope.” In Isaiah 55 and Isaiah 40, God speaks tenderly to a people who are weary, wounded, and worn out—people not unlike us.

In Isaiah 40, the people are in exile. They’ve lost their way. And yet, God speaks: “Comfort, comfort my people… Prepare the way of the Lord.” Even before the healing arrives, God makes a promise: I’m coming to you. I’m making a way.

By Isaiah 55, the invitation widens: Come eat, come drink, come find joy and peace. Healing isn’t earned; it’s offered. Hope isn’t something we manufacture; it’s something we receive. This is the heartbeat of covenant: not that we have it all together, but that we belong to a God who meets us in our mess and invites us into wholeness.

As we come to the Communion Table this Sunday, we remember that healing and hope are not abstract ideas—they are embodied in Christ, offered freely, and received by grace.

Episode 21 Exile and Renewal

Day 1: Isaiah 40-43

Day 2: Isaiah 49:1-52:12

Day 3: Isaiah 52:13-55:13

Day 4: Isaiah 56:1-8; 58-61

Day 5: Isaiah 63:7-66:24

Day 6: Covenant Meditation on Isaiah 43:1-7

Day 7: Group Meeting Experience with Isaiah 40:12-31

Small Group Discussion Questions:

What do you find most striking about God’s invitation in Isaiah 55? How does it speak to your current season?
In what ways have you experienced God’s healing—physically, emotionally, or spiritually?
Isaiah 40 says, “Prepare the way for the Lord.” What might it look like to prepare space in your life for God’s healing presence?
How does Holy Communion remind you of God’s invitation to come, be filled, and be made whole?

If you’re longing for a fresh start, or just need a word of comfort—this Sunday is for you. Come to the Table. Come to the Source. Come and find hope.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

To find a small group, purchase a book, or learn more, CLICK HERE .

8.31.25 TRUSTING THE COVENANT: Renewed Through Repentance

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 08:00:08 GMT

Jeremiah 31:18-20, 31-34, Ezekiel 34:1-5, 10b-18

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Have you ever longed for a fresh start? A moment where grace breaks in, where the past no longer defines you, and the future begins to bloom with hope? If so, you’re not alone. The people of Israel knew what it meant to lose their way and to be met by a God who never gave up on them.

This Sunday, we continue our Trusting the Covenant sermon series with a message entitled “Renewed Through Repentance,” grounded in two powerful prophetic texts, Jeremiah 31:18–20, 31–34 and Ezekiel 34:1–5, 10b–18. These are words spoken to a people in crisis, a people who had wandered, resisted, and suffered the consequences. And yet, God’s response is not condemnation, but restoration.

In Jeremiah, we hear the tender voice of God longing for his people to return, not out of shame but out of deep love. God promises a new covenant, written not on stone tablets but on our hearts. In Ezekiel, God calls out broken leadership and offers a vision of a faithful Shepherd who will gather, feed, and care for the lost and scattered sheep. These promises of God remind us that repentance leads to renewal, and that God's mercy always makes a way.

As you prepare for worship, I invite you to reflect: Where in your life are you longing to begin again? What would it look like to return to God with your whole heart?

Episode 20 Crisis and Starting Over

Day 1: Jeremiah 1-4

Day 2: Jeremiah 27-29

Day 3: Jeremiah 16; 18-20

Day 4: Lamentations 1-2; 5

Day 5: Ezekiel 34-37

Day 6: Covenant Meditation on Lamentations 3:1-24

Day 7: Group Meeting Experience with Jeremiah 31:15-34

Small Group Discussion Questions:

How do you define repentance, not just as a word but as a way of life?
In Jeremiah, God promises to write the covenant on our hearts. What might that look like in your daily walk with God?
Ezekiel speaks of broken shepherds and God’s promise to care for the sheep. How have you experienced God's care in seasons of spiritual disconnection?
Where in your life is God inviting you to start again with honesty, humility, and hope?

Never forget that there is no crisis too great and no failure too final for the renewing grace of God. I hope you’ll join us in worship this Sunday as we lean into the beauty of repentance, and the God who meets us there, not with punishment but with promise.

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

To find a small group, purchase a book, or learn more, CLICK HERE .

8.24.25 TRUSTING THE COVENANT: Permission to Wrestle

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 08:00:05 GMT

Job 42:1-6, Job 1:1, 6-12

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Sometimes faith doesn’t feel neat. Sometimes faith feels like a wrestling match—full of questions, doubt, grief, and even anger.

This Sunday, we continue our Trusting the Covenant series with a message entitled “Permission to Wrestle.” Our guide is Job, a man who had every reason to walk away from his faith, but instead chose to engage God honestly, fully, and relentlessly.

In Job 1, we’re introduced to a man who is blameless and upright and then suddenly thrust into unimaginable suffering. By Job 42, he’s still standing. Not because he received easy answers, but because he dared to bring his questions to God.

What we learn from Job is this: God can handle our questions. God doesn’t need us to perform faith; God invites us to live it. And that means giving ourselves permission to wrestle with pain, with mystery, with God himself.

Trusting the covenant doesn’t mean pretending everything is okay. It means remaining in relationship even when the answers don’t come, even when life doesn’t make sense.

As we prepare for worship, I invite you to consider: What are you wrestling with right now? And could it be that the wrestling itself is a sign of trust?

Episode 19 Tragedy

Day 1: Job 1-2

Day 2: Job 3; 9; 19; 31

Day 3: Job 4-5; 8; 11

Day 4: Job 38-41

Day 5: Job 42 ; reread Job 1-2

Day 6: Covenant Meditation on Job 2

Day 7: Group Meeting Experience with Job 42:7-17

Small Group Discussion Questions:

How does the story of Job challenge your understanding of what it means to be faithful?
When have you felt permission to be honest with God about your pain, questions, or confusion?
What’s the difference between walking away from God and wrestling with God? Why does it matter?
How might God be using your current struggle not to punish you—but to draw you into deeper relationship?

If you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or even angry right now—you are not alone. This Sunday is for you. Join us as we discover that even in the wrestling, God is near.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Dedric

To find a small group, purchase a book, or learn more, CLICK HERE .

8.17.25 TRUSTING THE COVENANT: Provision of Prayer

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 08:00:04 GMT

Psalm 13:1-6, Psalm 107:1-9

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Have you ever prayed and felt like God responded with silence? As if your words were hanging in the air, unanswered and unheard? Such a feeling can be disorienting. But Scripture reminds us: even in our deepest pain and waiting, God provides.

This Sunday, we continue in our Trusting the Covenant sermon series with a message entitled “Provision of Prayer,” grounded in two rich and honest psalms, Psalm 13:1–6 and Psalm 107:1–9. These passages give voice to the full spectrum of human experience. Psalm 13 is a raw cry of lament: “How long, Lord?” while Psalm 107 turns our attention to God’s enduring faithfulness: “Give thanks to the Lord because he is good.”

Together, they remind us that prayer is not a performance. It is a lifeline. When we bring our praise and our pain, our celebration and our sorrow, we are choosing relationship with the God who hears us. And in that relationship, God provides comfort, hope, and the sustaining grace we need for the journey.

As you prepare for worship, consider: What prayers are you holding right now? Are they full of praise or full of longing?

Episode 18 Praise and Lament

Day 1: Psalms 1-2; 19; 119:1-42

Day 2: Psalms 13; 22; 80; 90

Day 3: Psalms 34; 107; 116; 138

Day 4: Psalms 8; 104; 148

Day 5: Psalms 146-150

Day 6: Covenant Meditation on Psalm 139:1-6

Day 7: Group Meeting Experience with Psalm 42

Small Group Discussion Questions:

Psalm 13 begins in despair and ends in trust. How do you hold both lament and hope in your spiritual life?
Psalm 107 calls us to give thanks for God's provision. Where have you experienced God's provision recently?
Why is it important to pray honestly, even when our prayers are full of questions or grief?
How can we make space for both praise and lament in our worship, our small groups, and our personal faith?

No matter if you’re in a season of celebration or sorrow, know this: you are not alone, and your prayers matter. I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday as we explore the provision God offers through the covenant of prayer.

Blessings,
Pastor Carrie

To find a small group, purchase a book, or learn more, CLICK HERE .

8.10.25 TRUSTING THE COVENANT: “Staying Connected”

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:53:14 GMT

John 15:1-8, I John 4:7-21

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Have you ever felt like your connection to God was running low—like a phone slowly losing charge? You’re still functioning, still going through the motions, but something vital feels… disconnected.

This Sunday, we launch the third movement of our yearlong Covenant Sermon Series with a message entitled “Staying Connected,” grounded in two passages—John 15:1–8 and 1 John 4:7–21. Jesus gives us the image of a vine and branches, a powerful picture of what it means to stay rooted in him. He doesn’t call us to bear fruit on our own. He calls us to abide—to remain, dwell, stay connected. And what does that connection look like? Love.

According to 1 John, the clearest sign that we’re connected to God is how we love one another. Not just love in word or sentiment, but in action—in the way we show up for one another, extend grace, and remain committed even when it’s hard. Staying connected to God and one another is not passive. It’s a choice, a practice, a covenant.

As we prepare for Sunday, I invite you to reflect: What are you connected to? And is that connection helping you grow in Christ?

Episode 17: Life Together

Day 1: John 1:1-18; 3-4

Day 2: John 5; 9; 11

Day 3: John 14-17

Day 4: John 18-21

Day 5: 1 John 2-4; 2 John; 3 John

Day 6: Covenant Meditation on John 15:9-13

Day 7: Group Meeting Experience with John 13:1-17

Small Group Discussion Questions:

Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches.” What does that image mean to you personally?
In what ways do you intentionally stay connected to God? To others in the faith?
1 John says, “Those who do not love do not know God.” How do you wrestle with that challenge in real-life relationships?
Where might God be inviting you to reconnect—to abide more deeply, love more fully, or trust more completely?

Let’s begin this new season of trust together. I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday as we stay connected to Christ, to one another, and to the covenant that holds us all.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

To find a small group, purchase a book, or learn more, CLICK HERE .

8.3.25 Discovery Weekend: Purpose

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 08:00:10 GMT

Romans 12:1–2

“So, brothers and sisters, because of God’s mercies, I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God. This is your appropriate priestly service. Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is—what is good and pleasing and mature.”

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This coming weekend, our youth will gather for Discovery Weekend, a time set apart for worship, community, and the powerful presence of God. From Friday night through Sunday morning, we will create a space for our students to be loved, to belong, and to listen. And in that sacred space, we will also remember our purpose: to love God and love others.

Reason being, when we live into our God-given purpose, something happens. We are transformed - and through us, God begins to transform the world. This is not an accident. It doesn’t happen by chance. It happens when we choose intentionally and prayerfully to live differently - to step away from the noise of the world and let God renew our hearts and minds.

Friday night we will kick off the weekend focusing on rest. We aren't doing this just because it is a nice opener, but because it is foundational. When we’re exhausted, overscheduled, and running on empty, we have no capacity left to love anyone well, including God. But when we slow down, even for just a moment, we begin to create space for God to move in us and through us. Purpose is a series of small, intentional decisions, and every one of those decisions has the power to shape who we become.

What would it look like if, before every decision, we stopped and asked: Does this help me love God and love others? Throughout the weekend, our 6th-12th grade students will lean into this question and call. They will laugh and learn. They will pray and worship. They will open up, support one another, and be ready to step out in faith. As we close the weekend Sunday morning in worship together with our entire church family, our prayer is that the weekend will be a launching pad, a reset, a chance to remember who we all are: loved, called, and made with purpose.

Small Group Discussion Questions:

What does it mean to “live life on purpose” through the lens of faith?
How have you experienced transformation in your own life? How can you tell God is still working in you?
What are some patterns of the world that distract you from loving God and others well?
What is one intentional step you can take this week to renew your mind and create space for God?

We all love moments of transformation, seeing how far we’ve come in a photo, a memory, a story. But transformation isn’t just something to look back on. It’s something God is doing in us right now.

Keep our students and leaders in your prayers this week. We can't wait to worship with you Sunday morning!

With gratitude,

Kristi Sanford

Director of Youth Ministry

7.27.25 Living the Covenant: Do Justice, Love Kindness, Walk Humbly

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 08:00:08 GMT

Isaiah 6:1-8

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This week, we finish our Living the Covenant series with a message entitled “Do Justice, Love Kindness, Walk Humbly.” These familiar words from Micah 6:8 capture the heart of what covenant living should look like. But when we hold them alongside the piercing honesty of Amos 5 and Isaiah 6, we’re reminded just how often we fall short, and just how deeply God desires something more.

In Amos, God speaks through the prophet to call out a people who are doing all the religious rituals, yet none of the heart work. Their worship is polished, but their lives are unjust. Their songs are loud, but their compassion is silent. And God says: I want none of it.

Micah 6:8 is not a spiritual suggestion, it’s the fruit of covenant faithfulness. It is who we are called to be, even when it’s easier to be something less. God establishes the covenant, and we are invited into trust, repentance, and transformation. Not to check a box, but to become people of justice, kindness, and humility.

In Isaiah 6, we witness a vision of God’s holiness so overwhelming that the prophet cries out in repentance. But even there, perhaps especially there, God steps in with grace. The coal that touches Isaiah’s lips is painful, but purifying. God doesn’t walk away. Instead, God invites: Whom shall I send?

This is the hard, holy invitation of covenant life. Not just to attend worship, but to live it. Not just to know the words of justice, but to do justice. Not just to admire kindness, but to share it. Not just to believe in God, but to walk humbly with God as well as with one another.

Episode 16: Doing the Right Thing

Daily Reading:

Day 1: Isaiah 1; 5:1-7:17; 9:2-7; 11:1-10

Day 2: H osea 1:1-9; 2; 11:1-9

Day 3: Amos 1:1-3:8; 5; 7:10-17

Day 4: Micah 1:1-3:12; 6:1-8

Day 5: Zephaniah 1; 3; Malachi 3 - 4

Day 6: Covenant Meditation on Micah 6:8

Day 7: Group Meeting Experience with Amos 5:7-24

Small Group Discussion Questions:

What kind of worship does God desire from us? How can we tell when our practices are disconnected from our daily living?
How do you see the call to “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly” showing up in your own life right now? What’s most difficult for you?
Amos and Isaiah both challenge the comfort of religious people. How does God use prophets, then and now, to wake us up to holy living?
Where are the margins in our own community today? Who is God calling you to listen to, learn from, and care for?

This week’s message reminds us that holiness isn’t something we achieve on Sundays. Instead, it’s something we embody every day: in our jobs, in our schools, in our relationships, and in the quiet places where no one is watching. We may not all be public prophets, but each of us can be a quiet nudge toward holiness in our circles of influence.

Even when we’ve walked away, God hasn’t. And the invitation still stands: Come back. Live the covenant. Be holy, as I am holy.

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

To find a small group, purchase a book, or learn more, CLICK HERE .

7.20.25 LIVING THE COVENANT: Doers of the Word

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 08:00:02 GMT

James 1:22–27; 2 Peter 1:3–11

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

One of the most direct challenges in all of Scripture comes from James: “Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers.” It’s a reminder that covenant living is not just about what we believe—it’s about how we live it out.

This week, we turn to that challenge as we explore “Doers of the Word.” We live in a time when it’s easy to confuse knowing with doing. We can listen to podcasts, read devotionals, and attend worship services—and still miss the heart of transformation. James calls us out of passive faith and into active discipleship: a faith that visits the vulnerable, watches its words, and reflects God’s character in everyday life.

Peter echoes this in his second letter, encouraging us to grow in virtues like self-control, endurance, and love—reminding us that God’s divine power has given us everything we need to live a godly life. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progression—becoming more like Christ in word and deed.

As we prepare for worship this Sunday, I encourage you to consider where your faith is calling you to move—from hearing to doing, from knowing to embodying, from belief to bold action.

Episode 15: Act Like A Christian

Daily Reading:

Day 1: James 1 - 2

Day 2: James 3 - 5

Day 3: 1 Peter 1:3-4:11

Day 4: 1 Peter 4:12-5:14

Day 5: Jude and 2 Peter

Day 6: Covenant Meditation on James 1:22-26

Day 7: Group Meeting Experience with 1 Peter 2:4-10

Small Group Discussion Questions:

What do you think it means to be a “doer” of the Word in today’s world? Where have you seen that kind of active faith in action?
James warns against deceiving ourselves by only listening. In what areas of your life might you be hearing but not yet doing?
Peter lists a progression of spiritual traits (2 Peter 1:5–7). Which of these traits do you feel God inviting you to grow in right now?
What small action could you take this week to embody your faith more fully? How might that action serve as a witness to others?

Let’s not just talk about covenant living—let’s live it. I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday as we respond to God’s Word with our whole lives.

With you on the journey,

Pastor Dedric

To find a small group, purchase a book, or learn more, C LICK HERE .

7.13.25 Living the Covenant: Forgiving Hearts

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Colossians 3:1-4, 11-17, Ephesians 2:11-22

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, we continue our Living the Covenant journey with a message titled “Forgiving Hearts.” As we explore how the covenant takes root in everyday life, we turn to the wisdom of the New Testament letters: practical guidance for living with one another in light of what God has done for us.

In these passages, we see how the work of God through Christ redefines reconciliation. First, we are reconciled to God (a vertical relationship) through the cross. That healing and grace then overflow into how we relate to others (a horizontal relationship). This order matters. When we begin with God, we are changed – and that change empowers us to live with compassion, patience, and forgiveness.

Colossians 3 calls us to “clothe ourselves with love,” which binds everything together. It’s not just about being nice. It’s about allowing the love and mercy of Christ to shape how we show up in every relationship. And Ephesians 2 reminds us that Christ breaks down the dividing walls between people. Christ’s sacrifice doesn’t just cover individual sin. It creates one new humanity, a community where peace is possible.

As you prepare for worship this week, reflect on these questions:

Where are you being called to forgive, to let go, or to trust that God’s grace is enough?
Are there places in your life where you’re trying to fix the horizontal before being grounded in the vertical?
What changes when we believe that the cleansing power of forgiveness is real, even for us?

Episode 14: Reconciled

Daily Reading:

Day 1: Philemon

Day 2: Philippians 1 - 4

Day 3: Colossians 1:1-3:17

Day 4: Ephesians 1:1-5:20

Day 5: Colossians 3:18-4:1; Ephesians 5:21-6:9

Day 6: Covenant Meditation on Philemon 1:4-7

Day 7: Group Meeting Experience with Ephesians 2

Small Group Discussion Questions:

What does reconciliation with God mean to you personally? How does that vertical relationship shape your life?
What makes forgiveness hard? What practices or reminders help you move toward healing and wholeness?
Ephesians 2 speaks of the “dividing wall of hostility” being torn down. What does that look like in today’s world, and in your life?
What role does the church play in being a reconciled and reconciling community? How can we support one another in becoming people of peace?

This week’s worship experience will include a meaningful invitation to respond physically and spiritually, bringing the pieces of our brokenness, shame, and struggle to the cross, trusting that God meets us there with grace. It’s more than symbolism, it’s a moment of grace. The act of laying things down can open the way for something new to begin.

Because we can’t do this on our own. We need God. And we need God’s people.

May we be a community of forgiving hearts, rooted in grace, bound together in love, and shaped by the reconciling power of Christ.

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

To find a small group, purchase a book, or learn more, CLICK HERE .

7.6.25 LIVING THE COVENANT: The Pursuit of Wisdom

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 08:00:10 GMT

Ecclesiastes 9:11–18; Proverbs 3:13–18

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

As we continue our Living the Covenant series, we find ourselves on Independence Day weekend—a time when we give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy, remember those who’ve sacrificed, and reflect on what it means to live as citizens in this world. It’s also a time to ask deeper questions about how we use our freedom: Are we living wisely? Are we choosing well? Are we aligning our lives with God’s purposes?

This Sunday, we turn our attention to a sermon entitled: “The Pursuit of Wisdom.” Covenant living isn’t just about faithfulness—it’s about discernment. It's about cultivating the ability to make godly decisions in a world full of noise, pressure, and competing values. Wisdom, as the Scriptures remind us, is more valuable than silver and gold—it is “a tree of life to those who embrace her.”

In Ecclesiastes, we see how life doesn’t always reward the strongest or the fastest. Success doesn’t always follow logic. But there is still a quiet, powerful wisdom that speaks—if we’re willing to listen. And in Proverbs, we’re reminded that true wisdom begins with reverence for the Lord and a heart that trusts in His guidance.

As we prepare this week, let’s realign our hearts with the wisdom that comes from above—wisdom that builds, heals, and leads us deeper into covenant.

Episode 13: Discernment

Daily Reading:

Day 1: Proverbs 1 - 4

Day 2: Proverbs 10 - 15

Day 3: Proverbs 25 - 29

Day 4: Ecclesiastes 1 - 4

Day 5: Ecclesiastes 9 - 12

Day 6: Covenant Meditation on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Day 7: Group Meeting Experience with Proverbs 2:1-19

Small Group Discussion Questions:

How do you define wisdom in today’s world? How does biblical wisdom differ from worldly success or cleverness?
Read Proverbs 3:13–18. What qualities of wisdom stand out to you, and why are they worth pursuing?
In Ecclesiastes, the writer acknowledges the unpredictability of life. How does that speak to your own experiences? How can wisdom guide us even when life doesn’t seem fair?
This week we celebrate the gift of freedom. How might God be calling you to use your freedom in ways that reflect His wisdom and covenant love?

May this week be a time not only of celebration but of reflection—a time to seek wisdom that leads to life.

See you in worship!

Pastor Dedric

To find a small group, purchase a book, or learn more, CLICK HERE .

6.29.25 LIVING THE COVENANT: The Anchor of Faith

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 08:00:04 GMT

1 Thessalonians 5:12–24; 1 Timothy 6:11–19

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Storms will come. Culture will shift. Life will stretch us in unexpected ways. So what keeps us grounded? This week in our Living the Covenant series, we turn our attention to a sermon entitled: “The Anchor of Faith.”

In his letters to the Thessalonians and Timothy, Paul urges believers to hold on to what is good, live with integrity, and remain faithful in the face of pressure. Covenant faith is not simply belief—it’s a life anchored in hope, rooted in love, and strengthened by daily obedience.

Paul’s pastoral letters are filled with practical wisdom: encourage one another, be patient, pray constantly, and never grow tired of doing what is right. In a world that often rewards shortcuts and speed, covenant people are called to steady, resilient faith.

Whether you’re navigating personal storms or simply seeking a stronger foundation, this week is an invitation to rediscover what holds us fast.

Episode 12: God’s Household

Daily Reading:

Day 1: 1 Thessalonians 1 - 5

Day 2: 2 Thessalonians 1 - 3

Day 3: 1 Timothy 1:1-2; 2-4; 6:1-2, 11 - 15

Day 4: 2 Timothy 1 - 4

Day 5: Titus

Day 6: Covenant Meditation on 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Day 7: Group Meeting Experience with 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

Small Group Discussion Questions:

What does it mean to have your life “anchored” in faith? What practices help you stay grounded when life feels unstable?
Paul offers practical encouragement to early Christians. Which of his instructions speaks to you most deeply right now?
Where are you tempted to give up, and how might God be inviting you to endure instead? How can the community support you?
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 aloud. How might practicing joy, prayer, and gratitude reshape your week?

Let’s anchor ourselves in the One who holds all things together.

See you in worship!

Pastor Dedric

To find a small group, purchase a book, or learn more, CLICK HERE .

6.22.25 Living the Covenant: Covenant Leadership

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 08:00:14 GMT

I Kings 11:1-4, 11-13, Psalm 51:1-4, 6, 10-12

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Leadership is more than holding a position—it’s about shaping a people. As we continue our Living the Covenant series, this week we explore what it means to lead within God’s covenant community with a sermon entitled: “Covenant Leadership.”

Through the rise and fall of kings—David, Solomon, and others—we see the tension between human ambition and divine calling. Leadership in Scripture is never just about authority; it’s about responsibility, repentance, and relationship with God.

Solomon began his reign with wisdom but ended in compromise. David, though deeply flawed, offers us a glimpse of redemptive leadership through his prayer in Psalm 51—a cry of confession that reminds us real leaders return to God when they fall short.

As we prepare for worship this Sunday, I invite you to reflect on what kind of leadership God is calling you to—whether in your home, workplace, church, or community.

Episode 11: Leadership

Daily Reading:

Day 1: 2 Samuel 7; 9; 11 - 12

Day 2: 1 Kings 11 - 13

Day 3: 1 Kings 17 - 19; 21

Day 4: 2 Kings 17 - 19

Day 5: 2 Kings 22 - 25

Day 6: Covenant Meditation on 2 Kings 5:1-14

Day 7: Group Meeting Experience with 2 Samuel 7:1-17

Small Group Discussion Questions:

How do the stories of David and Solomon reflect both the strengths and vulnerabilities of leadership? What can we learn from their examples?
Psalm 51 is a model of repentance. Why is the ability to repent essential for covenant leadership?
Where has God given you influence, and how are you using it to reflect God’s character? What spiritual disciplines help keep your leadership grounded?
How can the church model faithful leadership in a world that often values power over humility? What changes when leadership becomes an act of covenant rather than control?

Let’s continue to learn, grow, and lead in ways that reflect the heart of God.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Dedric

To find a small group, purchase a book, or learn more, CLICK HERE .

6.15.25 Living the Covenant: A Reoriented Life

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 12:34:02 GMT

Luke 4:14-21, Acts 10:34-48

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, we continue our journey through Living the Covenant with a message titled “A Reoriented Life.” As we step into Episode 10 of our Covenant series—The Spirit-Led Community—we’ll explore how the Holy Spirit transforms not just individuals, but entire communities. In covenant life, we don’t just receive the Spirit—we are reoriented by it. We become people who think differently, see differently, and act differently in the world.

In Luke 4, Jesus returns to his hometown synagogue and reads from Isaiah:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…

to bring good news to the poor…

to proclaim release to the captives…

to let the oppressed go free…”

This is Jesus’ mission statement. And it becomes ours, too. Through the power of the Spirit, we are sent to embody this good news—to proclaim, to liberate, and to heal.

We also look to Acts 10, where Peter is sent to the home of Cornelius, a Gentile. In a stunning moment of divine disruption, the Holy Spirit falls on everyone gathered—Jew and Gentile alike—reminding us that God shows no partiality. The covenant family is bigger than we ever imagined.

This is the work of the Spirit: to widen the circle, to break down barriers, and to invite us into relationships that challenge our comfort and expand our vision. To live the covenant is to embrace a reoriented life—one led by the Spirit and guided by radical inclusion, courageous witness, and divine love.

As you prepare for worship this Sunday, consider:

Where is the Spirit sending you?
What old boundaries are being redefined?
What new relationships is God calling you into?

Episode 10: The Spirit-Led Community

Daily Reading:

Day 1: Luke 1:1-4:30

Day 2: Luke 10:25-37; 13; 15; 16:19-17:19; 18:1-17; 19:1-10

Day 3: Luke 22-24

Day 4: Acts 1 - 4

Day 5: Acts 8:1b-11:18

Day 6: Covenant Meditation on Acts 2:42-47

Day 7: Group Meeting Experience with Luke 4:14-30

Small Group Discussion Questions:

Jesus’ words in Luke 4 lay out a bold vision of mission and justice. What part of his mission statement resonates most with you today—and why?
In Acts 10, Peter has to let go of some long-held assumptions. Have you ever had a moment when the Holy Spirit reoriented your thinking or expanded your understanding of God’s work?
What does it mean to be a Spirit-led community in today’s world? How can we at Trinity embody that kind of covenant life?
Who are the “unexpected people” in your life or neighborhood that God might be calling you to reach out to with love, service, or witness?

This week, may we open our hearts to the Spirit’s movement. Let’s allow ourselves to be surprised, stretched, and sent—because the good news of Jesus is for everyone, and the covenant life is wide enough to welcome all.

I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday!

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

To find a small group, purchase a book, or learn more, CLICK HERE .

6.8.22 Living the Covenant: Choosing the Covenant

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Ruth 1:8-18, Song of Songs 8:6-7

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday marks the beginning of our next movement in our year-long journey through Scripture— Living the Covenant . It’s also Pentecost Sunday, a day when we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church. It’s a powerful moment to reflect not only on God’s presence among us, but on what it means to live as a covenant people, united by love and committed to one another.

Our sermon this week is “Choosing the Covenant.” We turn to Ruth’s bold decision to stay with Naomi—“Where you go, I will go…”—a choice that reshaped both of their lives and placed Ruth within the unfolding story of God’s redemption. Her faithfulness wasn’t rooted in obligation—it was a courageous, countercultural act of love.

Ruth’s story is traditionally read during the Jewish festival of Shavuot, also known as the Feast of Weeks—which we know as Pentecost. It was a harvest festival that marked both the giving of the Law at Sinai and the offering of the first fruits. In that context, Ruth’s story becomes even more profound: it’s about harvest, covenant, and radical inclusion. A “foreigner” becomes part of God’s people. Love crosses boundaries. A new story begins.

That same Spirit is alive in us today.

We'll also reflect on Song of Songs 8:6–7, where love is described as strong as death and unquenchable like fire. What a fitting image for Pentecost—a day when flames danced above the heads of the faithful and love burned bright enough to birth a movement.

As you prepare for worship this Sunday, I invite you to reflect on what it means to choose the covenant: to choose love over fear, presence over convenience, faithfulness over comfort.

Episode 9: Faithful Love

Daily Reading:

Day 1: Ruth 1 - 2

Day 2: Ruth 3 - 4

Day 3: Esther 1 - 4

Day 4: Esther 5 - 8

Day 5: Song of Songs 1 - 2, 4:1-7, 5:10-16

Day 6: Covenant Meditation on Song of Songs 8:6-7a

Day 7: Group Meeting Experience with Ruth 1:8-18

Small Group Discussion Questions:

What does Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi reveal about the nature of covenant? How does her choice challenge or inspire your understanding of faithfulness in relationships?
Have you ever had to make a difficult decision to stay committed to someone or something? What gave you the strength to follow through?
How is covenant love different from romantic, transactional, or conditional love? How do we recognize or embody this kind of love in our daily lives?
Song of Songs 8:6–7 speaks of love as fierce, powerful, and enduring. Where have you seen that kind of love in action—in Scripture, in history, or in your own life?

This week, as we step into Living the Covenant , let us also step into the Spirit’s power. Pentecost reminds us that the fire of God’s love still burns, calling us to lives of bold commitment, deep faithfulness, and faithful love that transforms.

I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday!

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

To find a small group, purchase a book, or learn more, CLICK HERE .

6.1.25: The Many Hats of United Women in Faith

Mon, 26 May 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Proverbs 1:7-8

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, we are excited to welcome Rev. Vicki Cater as our guest preacher for a special service celebrating United Women in Faith Sunday. Our scripture focus will be Proverbs 1:7-8 (CEB):

“Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Listen, my child, to your father’s instruction; don’t neglect your mother’s teaching.”

United Women in Faith are women with a purpose—women who live out wisdom through action, service, and leadership. They wear many hats, answering God’s call to inspire, influence, and impact their local and global communities. Their work reflects the heart of Proverbs—valuing instruction, sharing wisdom, and nurturing others.

The Many Hats of United Women in Faith represent the many ways these women faithfully serve:

Equipping Women and Girls for Leadership:
United Women in Faith are committed to raising up leaders in churches, communities, agencies, and governments. Through their efforts, women and girls around the world are empowered to use their voices and gifts to lead with wisdom and courage—ensuring these opportunities cross every racial, ethnic, linguistic, and economic boundary.
Organizing for Growth:
From local gatherings to online communities, these women connect in-person and virtually, fostering growth in faith, friendship, and service. United Women in Faith show us that connection is not bound by geography but by a shared mission.
Offering Educational Experiences:
Through spiritual formation, personal development, and community-building programs, United Women in Faith inspire powerful, collective change. They remind us that growing in faith is a lifelong journey—and education is one of the hats we must wear to serve others well.
Supporting Women, Children, and Families:
With compassion and conviction, they support partners providing direct services in our neighborhoods and communities worldwide. From education to economic development, their work advocates for justice and improved lives for women, children, and youth everywhere.

As we prepare for this Sunday, I invite you to reflect on these questions:

How have the women in your life worn many hats to shape who you are today?
Where do you see wisdom—both learned and lived—passed down through generations?
How might God be calling you to wear a new hat in service to others?

United Women in Faith embody the wisdom of Proverbs—a wisdom that leads not only to understanding but to action. Their many hats represent a deep, purposeful faith lived out in service. I hope you’ll join us this Sunday as we celebrate their legacy and witness the ways God continues to work through them.

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

5.25.25: Very Brave and Strong

Mon, 19 May 2025 08:00:10 GMT

Joshua 1:7-9, Psalm 144:1-4, 9-15

Memorial Day is a federal holiday for mourning and honoring U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The first observance of Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868, and was then known as Decoration Day. Prior to this first national observance, many communities had begun the practice of laying flowers at the graves of soldiers killed during the Civil War; Mary Ann Williams is credited with the idea of laying flowers on the graves of Confederate and Union soldiers alike. It was not until 1971 that Memorial Day became a recognized federal holiday, was moved to the last Monday of May each year, and was held to respect fallen soldiers of all American wars, not just the Civil War.

What does the observance of Memorial Day mean in the Christian community? We have within our congregations those who have served the Armed Forces with honor and distinction, who take great personal meaning from the observance of this day; as well as families who remember and mourn their own fallen service members; and also those who respectfully believe in pacifism and yearn for the day when wars have ceased – and military service will no longer be required.

First, let us grieve with those who are grieving. Empathy and compassion are hallmarks of our faith – and we should join in with those who mourn on this federal holiday. Second, let us all pray for the end of all wars in the world. I know that you continue to pray, as I do, for the people of Ukraine and of Russia, for the people of Gaza as well as Israel, and for those who currently live under threat of war on this very day. And third, let us show gratitude and respect to those American service members who have given all, that our country may be free and the ideals that we profess to believe in may continue on, in the lives of our children and grandchildren.

Some questions to consider this Memorial Day:

Does my own family include fallen military personnel? How may I show honor and gratitude to them on Memorial Day?
If my plans for Memorial Day include time off from work, a summer cookout or getting together with friends – how can we show respect to our nation’s fallen in the midst of our celebrations?
How can I personally glorify Christ while also acknowledging my citizenship in the United States, and being grateful to God for the history and freedoms of this country that I live in?

Thank you for engaging in this brief history lesson with me! I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday at Trinity United Methodist Church.

In Christ,

Pastor Dale

5.18.25 (Senior Sunday): The Race We Run

Mon, 12 May 2025 08:00:12 GMT

Hebrews 12:1-2, Proverbs 3:1-6

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday is a special day in the life of our church—Senior Sunday! We’ll be honoring and celebrating our graduating high school seniors as they prepare to enter a new chapter in their lives. These young adults have grown in faith, served in ministry, and journeyed through important seasons right here at Trinity. Now, we have the joy of sending them forward with love, prayer, and encouragement.

Our sermon this Sunday is entitled “The Race We Run,” based on Hebrews 12:1–2 and Proverbs 3:1–6 . Both of these passages speak beautifully into the moment our seniors—and all of us—find ourselves in: standing on the threshold of the unknown, choosing to trust God with what comes next.

In Hebrews, we’re reminded that we are “surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses.” We’re called to run with perseverance, to let go of what holds us back, and to fix our eyes on Jesus—the one who leads us and perfects our faith. This is not just a message for graduates—it’s a message for all of us who are running the race of life, one step at a time.

In Proverbs, we hear the call to “trust in the Lord with all your heart” and to not lean on our own understanding. That’s easier said than done, especially in a world that tells us we should always have it all figured out. But the promise of Scripture is this: when we acknowledge God in all our ways, God will make our paths straight.

I want to encourage you to invite family and friends to this meaningful service. Let’s show our graduating seniors what it means to be Trinity Together—a church that surrounds, supports, and sends with love.

As we prepare for worship, consider reflecting on these questions:

What season of life are you in right now—and how is God inviting you to run your race faithfully in it?
Who are the mentors, role models, or “cloud of witnesses” that have encouraged you on your journey?
What are some things you may need to release in order to run with greater freedom and purpose?
How might deeper trust in God change the way you approach the future—for yourself or for someone you love?

I am so proud of our seniors and so grateful for the ways this congregation continues to nurture, support, and celebrate one another. Whether you are walking across a stage or walking through a difficult season, you are not alone. God is with you—and so are we.

See you Sunday,

Pastor Dedric

5.11.25 (Mother’s Day): A Mother's Love

Mon, 05 May 2025 08:00:05 GMT

Exodus 2:1-10, 2 Timothy 1:3-7

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, we gather for a meaningful day of worship as we celebrate Mother’s Day with a sermon entitled “A Mother’s Love,” based on Exodus 2:1–10 and 2 Timothy 1:3–7 (CEB). Through these powerful Scriptures, we reflect on the strength, sacrifice, and spiritual nurture that caregivers of all kinds offer to the people in their lives.

In Exodus, we witness the brave and selfless act of Moses’ birthmother, who placed her child in a basket and entrusted him to God. Her courage is echoed in the Pharaoh’s daughter, who chose compassion over convention. Together, these women remind us that caregiving often requires tremendous faith. In 2 Timothy, Paul gives thanks for the sincere faith passed down through generations—from Timothy’s grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. Their example shows us that nurturing faith is not limited to one role. It’s a holy calling that can come through parents, grandparents, mentors, guardians, teachers, and friends.

This Sunday, we honor all those who have nurtured others with love and faith—mothers and mother-figures, parents and grandparents, guardians and mentors—those who have chosen the path of compassion, care, and spiritual encouragement.

We also recognize that Mother’s Day brings a mix of emotions. Some will come in joy. Others may come with grief, longing, or pain. Whether you are celebrating, remembering, or simply needing connection, we believe this Sunday will offer space for healing, gratitude, and belonging.

And it’s a great Sunday to invite family and friends to worship! Whether someone is coming with their family or needs to be reminded they are not alone, we hope they’ll find a home with us. Let’s be Trinity Together—a community that opens its doors to all and celebrates the love that shapes and sustains us.

As we prepare our hearts for Sunday, let’s reflect on these questions:

What do Moses’ story and Timothy’s legacy teach us about the power of caregiving and faith across generations?
Who in your life has offered you a nurturing, guiding love? How can you honor them this week?
How are you being called to nurture others—in your family, community, or faith life?
How can our church be a place that uplifts and supports all who care for and mentor others?

I am grateful for each of you and for the many ways you live out God’s love in your relationships. Join us this Sunday—and bring someone with you—as we celebrate “A Mother’s Love” and the God who nurtures us all.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

5.4.25 (Combined Service): Trinity Together: Worship, Serve, Gather

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 08:00:26 GMT

Acts 2:42-47, Ephesians 4:1-6, 11-13

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, we celebrate what it means to be Trinity Together —a community shaped by worship, service, and fellowship. Our scripture focus comes from Acts 2:42-47 and Ephesians 4:1-6, 11-13 —two powerful reminders of what it looks like when the Body of Christ comes together in unity, purpose, and love.

In Acts 2, we see the early church devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. They worshiped together, cared for one another, and served their community—and “the Lord added daily to the community those who were being saved.” In Ephesians 4, Paul calls the church to live worthy of the calling they’ve received—walking in humility, gentleness, and patience—striving for unity in the Spirit.

This Sunday, we get to live out that calling as a church family. We’ll gather for one combined worship service together at 10 am in the New Room, followed by lunch together in the gym, and then head out to serve together in our community. We’ll end the day at our Church Picnic at the Botanical Gardens—a time to relax, laugh, and simply enjoy being together .

This day is designed to remind us of four important truths about Christian together ness:

Motivation and Support:
There is power in being together . Our unity motivates us to keep going, supports us when life gets hard, and helps us grow spiritually. When we gather, worship, and serve side by side, we are strengthened for the journey ahead.
Shared Purpose:
We are not meant to walk this road alone. Together , we discover a shared purpose and destiny—loving God, loving others, and making Christ known. Unity keeps our eyes on what truly matters.
Spiritual Growth:
Gathering together as a church family—whether in worship, around the table, or out in service—forms us spiritually. It aligns our hearts with God’s will and reminds us we belong to something bigger than ourselves.
Love and Service:
Christian together ness means living, working, praying, and serving with one another. There is joy in this shared life—a joy that multiplies when we choose love, hospitality, and service.

As we prepare for Sunday, I invite you to reflect on these questions:

Where do you experience the deepest sense of belonging in our church community?
How has serving alongside others shaped your faith?
What does it mean for you to live “worthy of the calling” as Paul describes?

I look forward to worshiping, serving, and gathering together with you this Sunday. May our time together remind us of the gift it is to be Trinity Together —one body, united in Spirit, bound by love.

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

4.27.25 (Confirmation Sunday): Living the Yes

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 08:00:05 GMT

John 20:24-29, Ephesians 3:16-21

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday will be a deeply meaningful day in the life of our church as we celebrate Confirmation Sunday. Our confirmands—students who have spent time learning, asking questions, serving others, and growing in their understanding of faith—are ready to take the next step in their journey by affirming their commitment to Christ and becoming full members of Trinity United Methodist Church.

The message for this special day is entitled “Living the Yes,” and it’s rooted in John 20:24–29 and Ephesians 3:16–21 (CEB). In the Gospel of John, we witness the familiar story of Thomas—sometimes called the doubter—but what stands out is his honest need for connection and reassurance. When Jesus shows up, He meets Thomas with compassion, not judgment. In response, Thomas offers one of the most profound affirmations of faith in all of Scripture: “My Lord and my God.” It is a moment of transformation—a movement from doubt to trust, from hesitation to yes.

Paul’s words in Ephesians offer a vision for what comes next. He prays that believers will be strengthened with power through God’s Spirit, deeply rooted in love, and filled with the fullness of God. He reminds us that this journey of faith is not about perfection, but about being open—open to the Spirit’s work within us, and confident that God can do far more than we could ask or imagine.

Confirmation Sunday is a visible reminder of what it means to “live the yes.” These young people are not just reciting answers—they are choosing a life of faith, one step at a time, and inviting us to remember our own commitment. It’s a powerful moment not only for them, but for all of us as a community of faith. As we surround them with support, we are reminded that our “yes” to God is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey.

This is a meaningful Sunday to bring your loved ones. Whether they are curious, committed, or somewhere in between, they’ll find a message of grace, belonging, and hope. At Trinity, we walk this path together—and we celebrate each step forward as Trinity Together.

As we prepare for worship, here are a few questions for reflection:

In John 20:29, Jesus says, “Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.” What does that kind of faith look like in your life today?
How does Thomas’s honest doubt give you permission to bring your full self—including your questions—into relationship with Jesus?
Ephesians 3:17 talks about being “rooted and grounded in love.” How do you see that kind of deep spiritual foundation growing in you or in our confirmands?
Paul ends his prayer with a bold declaration of God’s power at work within us (Ephesians 3:20–21). How have you seen God do more than you could ask or imagine?

I’m so grateful to serve a church where we celebrate the movement of the Spirit in people of all ages. Let’s show our confirmands the strength of the community surrounding them, and let’s each commit again to live our own “yes” with courage, trust, and love.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Dedric

4.20.25 EASTER SUNDAY: All Fear is Gone

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 08:00:05 GMT

Matthew 28:1-10, 1 John 4:7-12 (CEB)

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Easter is almost here! This Sunday, we will joyfully proclaim the Good News of resurrection and the victory of Jesus Christ with a sermon entitled “All Fear Is Gone” based on Matthew 28:1-10 (CEB) and 1 John 4:7-12 (CEB).

In Matthew’s Gospel, the angel at the tomb declares, “Don’t be afraid! You are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He isn’t here, because he’s been raised from the dead.” Fear is replaced with hope, and sorrow gives way to joy. The resurrection proclaims that because Jesus lives, all fear is gone!

This week, I also encourage you to walk with Jesus through all of Holy Week:

Maundy Thursday Service with Choir and Communion at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Good Friday Tenebrae Service with Praise Band at 6:30 p.m. in Wesley Hall

On Easter Sunday, we will celebrate:

7:30 am Sonrise Service with Communion, led by our youth in the New Room Lobby
9:00 am Traditional Service in the Sanctuary
10:30 am Contemporary Service in the New Room

As we prepare for this holy day, I invite you to reflect on these questions:

How does the resurrection of Jesus replace fear with hope in your life?
Who in your life could use the reminder that God’s perfect love casts out fear?
What is one way you can live as a witness to the resurrection, sharing Christ’s love and hope with others?

Easter is a perfect time to invite someone to worship with you. Whether it’s a neighbor, coworker, family member, or friend, your invitation could make all the difference in their journey of faith. Together, let’s proclaim the victory of Christ and the hope that transforms our lives: Because He lives, all fear is gone!

See you this week!

Pastor Dedric

4.13.25 PALM SUNDAY: Can I Get A Witness?, Bishop Jonathan Holston

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Luke 19:28-40

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, we celebrate Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week and a pivotal moment in our journey toward Easter. Palm Sunday marks the day Jesus entered Jerusalem, greeted by crowds waving palm branches and shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark 11:9). It is a day filled with hope, celebration, and expectation, yet it also ushers in the events that lead to the cross.

We are honored to welcome Bishop L. Jonathan Holston as our preacher for this special day. I have had the privilege of knowing Bishop Holston for several years. When I was in seminary, he served as my field education supervisor. His wisdom, leadership, and commitment to God’s mission made a lasting impression on me, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from him during that formative season of ministry. Bishop Holston became the resident bishop of the Alabama Panhandle Episcopal Area on September 1, 2024, serving the Alabama-West Florida and North Alabama Conferences. Before this assignment, he faithfully led the South Carolina Annual Conference as bishop from 2012-2024.

This week, our spiritual practice is engaging Holy Week. Holy Week is a time to immerse ourselves in the story of Jesus’ journey to the cross and resurrection. Through worship, prayer, and reflection, we enter into the profound mystery of God’s love for us. I invite you to join me in participating in the services and practices of Holy Week to grow closer to Christ and prepare our hearts for Easter morning.

Reflection Questions for Palm Sunday:

How does Jesus’ humble entry into Jerusalem challenge your understanding of power and leadership?
What does it mean to shout “Hosanna!” in your life today?
As you engage in Holy Week, how can you make space to reflect on the sacrifice and love of Jesus?

Palm Sunday sets the stage for the greatest story ever told—the story of God’s redeeming love through Jesus Christ. This week, as we engage Holy Week together, I encourage you to invite someone to join you in worship. It’s a perfect time to share the hope and love of Christ with someone seeking a deeper connection to faith.

Let’s walk this holy path together, anticipating the joy and victory of Easter.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Dedric

4.6.25 WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?: Pride

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 08:00:01 GMT

Luke 18:18-27, Proverbs 16:16-20

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, we continue our Lenten sermon series, “What Are You Afraid Of?” and focus on “Pride” based on Luke 18:18-27 (CEB) and Proverbs 16:16-20 (CEB).

In Mark’s Gospel, we meet a man who asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus lovingly challenges him to release his possessions and follow him. But the man walks away, unable to let go of the pride he places in his wealth and accomplishments. Pride often masks a deeper fear—the fear of losing control, appearing weak, or depending on others. Yet Jesus calls us to humility and faith, reminding us that true security comes from trusting in God.

This week, our spiritual practice is kneeling in prayer. Kneeling is a physical expression of humility and surrender. It reminds us that we are not in control, but God is. Taking time to kneel in prayer helps us release our pride, open our hearts to God’s guidance, and trust in his abundant grace.

As we prepare for this week’s sermon, I invite you to reflect on these questions:

How does pride show up in your life, and what fears might it be masking?
How can kneeling in prayer help you release pride and grow in trust and faith?
What steps can you take to embody humility and follow Christ’s example this week?

Let’s come before God in humility, offering ourselves fully to his will. As we kneel in prayer, may we discover the freedom and joy of trusting that God’s way is always best. I’m grateful to share this journey with you and look forward to worshiping together this Sunday.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

3.30.25 WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?: Individualism

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 08:00:01 GMT

Philippians 2:1-11, Micah 6:6-8

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, we continue our Lenten sermon series, “What Are You Afraid Of?” and focus on “Individualism” based on Philippians 2:1-11 (CEB) and Micah 6:6-8 (CEB).

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul calls us to model our lives after Jesus, who “emptied himself” and took on the form of a servant. Jesus demonstrates that true greatness comes through humility and selflessness. In a culture that often prioritizes self-interest and independence, this message challenges us to let go of the fear that we must rely solely on ourselves and invites us into the joy of shared purpose and community.

This week, our spiritual practice is sacrifice. Sacrifice is an act of love that shifts our focus from ourselves to others. It mirrors the life of Christ, who gave everything so that we might live. Whether it’s giving of our time, resources, or energy, practicing sacrifice helps us grow in humility and live out God’s call to do justice, love faithfully, and walk humbly with him.

As we prepare for this week’s sermon, I invite you to reflect on these questions:

In what ways does fear of relying on others hold you back?
What small or large sacrifice can you make this week to reflect Christ’s humility and love?
How does practicing sacrifice deepen your connection to God and to others?

Let’s ask God to help us embrace sacrifice—not as a burden, but as a gift that allows us to live more fully into his love and purpose. I am grateful to journey through this season with you, and I pray that our sacrifices will bring us closer to Christ and to one another.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Dedric

3.23.25 WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?: Bitterness

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Luke 15:11-13, 17-19, Ephesians 4:20-27

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, we continue our Lenten sermon series, “What Are You Afraid Of?” and we will focus on “Bitterness” based on Luke 15:11-13, 17-19, 25-32 (CEB) and Ephesians 4:20-27 (CEB).

In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, we often focus on the younger son’s recklessness and repentance. But the elder brother’s reaction offers us a profound insight into the nature of bitterness. His resentment reveals an unspoken fear: the fear of being overlooked, unappreciated, and unloved. Bitterness doesn’t just harm relationships—it blinds us to the blessings already in our lives and keeps us from fully embracing God’s grace.

This week, our spiritual practice is forgiveness. Forgiveness is the cure for bitterness. It’s not about dismissing the pain or excusing the hurt but about choosing freedom over resentment. Forgiveness releases us from the grip of bitterness and makes room for God’s love to transform our hearts.

As we prepare for this week’s sermon, I invite you to reflect on these questions:

What fear might be fueling bitterness in your life?
Who is God inviting you to forgive, and how might that act of grace set you free?
How can practicing forgiveness bring renewal to your relationships and your faith?

This Lent, let’s take the bold step of practicing forgiveness. Whether it’s forgiving someone else or seeking forgiveness for ourselves, this practice can open us to the joy and peace God desires for us. I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we reflect on how Jesus leads us to freedom through forgiveness.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

3.16.25 WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?: Apathy

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Luke 9:21-27, Psalm 42:1-11

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, we continue our Lenten sermon series, “What Are You Afraid Of?” and we will focus on “Apathy” based on Luke 9:21-27 (CEB).

In this passage, Jesus has cornered the disciples and asked them to clearly proclaim his identity. Simon Peter proudly delivers the correct answer - “The Christ sent from God!” - like a child raising their hand in Sunday school. While Peter’s answer is correct, Jesus’ response to this correct identification likely struck the disciples as odd: the Christ must suffer and die, those who wish to follow this Christ must lose their lives, gaining this entire world will do you no good. Upon first hearing the deal that Christ is offering, the disciples may have been tempted to become apathetic - to simply abandon this future filled with strife for an easier way.

This week, our spiritual practice is lament. How strange that an entire book of the Bible - Lamentations - is named after this spiritual practice, yet it is often ignored! Lament is a means by which we can cry out to God, expose our pain and hurt to the Lord, and recognize that God still acts in our lives even in the midst of our suffering. It is a vulnerable, soul-searching act before God.

As we prepare for this week’s sermon, I invite you to reflect on these questions:

What fear has caused you to surrender to apathy?
What deep-seated pain or hurt have you kept to yourself, refusing to expose it to the loving gaze of our Creator?
What concern keeps you from honestly offering your deep pain to God?

We have a real, bold, firm faith available to us through the “Christ sent from God.” Let’s allow him to work in our lives this Lenten season, to eliminate the temptation of apathy and to come be present with us in our laments. I look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

In Christ,

Pastor Dale

3.9.25 WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?: Busyness

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 09:00:01 GMT

Luke 10:38-42, Genesis 2:1-3

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, we begin our Lenten sermon series, “What Are You Afraid Of?” by focusing on Busyness, drawing from Luke 10:38-42 and Genesis 2:1-3 (CEB).

In the story of Mary and Martha, we see a familiar tension—Martha is consumed by the tasks of hospitality, while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, fully present. Jesus gently tells Martha that she is “worried and distracted by many things,” but Mary has chosen the better way. What if our busyness is fueled by fear? The fear of falling behind, of not being needed, of not being enough?

From the very beginning, God set a rhythm for life—six days of work followed by a day of rest (Genesis 2:1-3). Sabbath is not just a break from work; it is an act of trust. It is a declaration that we are not defined by our productivity but by our relationship with God. Yet, in our hurried world, many of us resist rest, fearing that if we stop, everything will fall apart.

This week, our spiritual practice is Sabbath. Practicing Sabbath is a countercultural act of faith. It reminds us that we are not in control—God is. Sabbath is not about laziness but about creating space for God to restore our souls, to remind us that we are beloved beyond what we accomplish.

As we prepare for this week’s sermon, I invite you to reflect on these questions:

What fear might be driving your busyness?
How does your schedule reflect your trust (or lack of trust) in God’s provision?
What might it look like to practice Sabbath in a way that brings renewal to your soul?

This Lent, let’s take the bold step of practicing Sabbath. Let’s trust that God’s invitation to rest is not a burden but a gift—a reminder that we are already enough in God’s eyes. I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we reflect on how Jesus calls us from hurry to wholeness.

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

3.2.25 CREATING THE COVENANT: Covenant Renewal (Holy Communion)

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Deuteronomy 30:15-18, Deuteronomy 7:7-9

Episode 8: Covenant Renewal

Daily Reading:

Day 1: Deuteronomy 5-9

Day 2: Deuteronomy 29-32

Day 3: Joshua 1-2, 23-24

Day 4: Judges 1-2, 19-21

Day 5: 1 Samuel 13-15, 28: 3-25

Day 6: Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Day 7: Group Meeting Experience on: Deuteronomy 6:1-19

Have you ever read through the book of Deuteronomy? If you read it as a book of covenant renewal, there is more meaning to it than just a recitation of laws. Chapters 1-5 begin with a new generation of Israelites, you see after 40 years of wilderness wandering, the first generation of Israelites who left Egypt had perished, except for Caleb, Joshua, and Moses. Moses is speaking to this new generation, reminding them of the covenant and calling them to covenant faithfulness. Moses begins his conversation with this new generation by recounting the failings of their mothers and fathers, all the while reminding them that God has never left or abandoned them. At the end of Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the new generation that everything will be work out if they only listen and obey God. And if they don’t listen and obey God, things will go sideways really quickly.

The rest of our reading this week illustrates what happens when we forget our covenant relationship with God. The readings from Joshua 1-2, 23-24 highlight Israel’s entry into the Promised Land and Joshua’s final charge to the people, urging them to remain faithful to their covenant with God. Joshua reminds them of God’s faithfulness and the blessings they have received, emphasizing the need to reject foreign gods and serve the Lord wholeheartedly. However, even in these early moments, the seeds of covenant failure are sown. The promise to drive out all the Canaanites is left incomplete, and Joshua warns that disobedience will lead to disaster. This sets the stage for Israel’s struggle to maintain its covenant relationship with God in the generations to come.

In Judges 1-2, 19-21, the cycle of covenant failure becomes tragically clear. After Joshua’s death, the Israelites repeatedly fall into idolatry, abandoning their commitment to the Lord. Without strong leadership, they spiral into moral and social chaos. The shocking stories in Judges 19-21, including the violent acts in Gibeah and the ensuing civil war, reveal how far the people have strayed from their covenant responsibilities. Rather than living as a holy nation under God’s rule, they devolve into lawlessness and brutality, demonstrating the devastating consequences of forsaking their covenant with God.

The failures of Israel’s leaders are further emphasized in 1 Samuel 13-15, 28:3-25, where King Saul disobeys God’s commands and prioritizes his own desires over covenant faithfulness. His impatience and partial obedience in sparing King Agag and the best livestock reveal a lack of trust in God’s authority. Saul’s rejection of God ultimately leads to his downfall, culminating in his desperate consultation with a medium in 1 Samuel 28. This act of defiance underscores his complete departure from the covenant as he seeks guidance outside of God’s will. Together, these readings illustrate how covenant failure—whether through disobedience, idolatry, or misplaced trust—leads to devastating consequences for both leaders and the community as a whole.

Human failure is an undeniable part of our story. When we fall short, it’s often in dramatic and painful ways. From the very beginning, the Bible reveals a pattern of failure: God calls us to one thing asks us to follow his way, but we are drawn to distractions, tempted by the whisper of a serpent saying, “Did God really ask that of you?” NT Wright captures the essence of sin well: “Sin is not just ‘doing things God has forbidden.’ [It is a] failure to be fully functioning, God-reflecting human beings.” If sin had never entered the story, there would be no need for multiple covenants in scripture. Yet, even in the face of our failures, God consistently reaches out to us with grace and love.

As we approach the season of Lent, we are invited to take a sober look at our lives, examining the sins we’ve carried or ignored over the past year. Lent is a time to reflect on our covenant relationship with God and ask hard questions: Where have we broken our promises to God? Where have we failed to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength? Where have we fallen short in loving our neighbors as ourselves? Confronting these truths isn’t easy, but it’s the starting point for covenant renewal.

This week’s scripture readings are a stark reminder of the depths of human sin, but they also reveal the unfailing love of a God who continues to pursue us. As we reflect, let us not only grieve our failures but also respond with gratitude and love for the God who meets us in our brokenness and calls us back into covenant relationship with God. It is through God’s grace that true renewal is possible.

2.23.25 CREATING THE COVENANT: Foolishness of the Cross

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 09:00:05 GMT

1 Corinthians 1:18-25, 1 Corinthians 12:27-31

Episode 7: The Logic of the Cross

Daily Reading:

Day 1: 1 Corinthians 1-4

Day 2: 1 Corinthians 7-10

Day 3: 1 Corinthians 11-14

Day 4: 1 Corinthians 15, 2 Corinthians 1:1-11, 4-6

Day 5: 1 Corinthians 16, 2 Corinthians 7-9

Day 6: 2 Corinthians 4:7-12

Day 7: Group Meeting Experience on: 1 Corinthians 12:4-8

Who are the people we honor most in our society? Are they the wealthy? The busy? The ones who dominate meetings, always look polished, or bask in fame and influence? In many ways, our society reflects the values of the 1st-century Roman Empire, where honor was the ultimate currency. In that world, people chased honor through wealth, power, public recognition, and social status, while shame was something to be avoided at all costs.

This cultural obsession with honor shaped life in Corinth, a bustling and competitive city where status was everything. Paul’s letters to the Corinthians directly confront this value system, urging the church to rethink what it means to live in a gospel-shaped community. He calls them—and us—to measure worth not by outward appearances or societal achievements but by the radical, upside-down values of God’s kingdom.

Corinth was a fascinating place to be a Christian in the first century. Located forty miles southwest of Athens, the city was strategically important to Rome, with natural defenses and a spring-fed water supply. Its position on the Corinthian Gulf made it a key shipping hub, allowing merchants to bypass the stormy Mediterranean. This constant flow of people created a vibrant, diverse city filled with religious, cultural, and social variety.

Despite its wealth, Corinth lacked deep cultural roots, often described by scholars as having a "superficial cultural life." The city was known for its nouveau riche population, moral looseness, and rampant social inequality. Temples to every major god—and even a temple dedicated to all the gods—were scattered throughout the city. Corinth’s reputation for immorality earned it the nickname “Sin City,” making it a challenging yet fertile ground for the gospel.

The early Christian community in Corinth was a microcosm of the city’s diversity and division. Most believers were poor, while a small but influential group of wealthy Christians flaunted their status. This tension played out in various ways, from conflicts over food sacrificed to idols to wealthy believers feasting while the poor went hungry during church gatherings. Paul’s letters challenge these divisions and call the Corinthians to unity in Christ.

In 1 Corinthians 1:27-28, Paul writes:

"But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are."

This was a revolutionary message in a culture fixated on status and power. Paul reminds the Corinthians that their worth is not found in wealth or societal standing but in their identity as God’s people. He weaves them into the story of God’s covenant, showing that they, too, are part of God’s redemptive plan. For Gentile believers unfamiliar with Jewish scripture, Paul introduces key concepts like covenant, Sabbath, and circumcision, helping them understand their place in the unfolding story of salvation.

The struggles of Corinth mirror our own world in many ways. Like Corinth, our society is divided—between rich and poor, powerful and powerless, celebrated and overlooked. The gospel invites us to step out of this cycle of honor and shame and into a new identity rooted in Christ.

Paul captures this vision of unity in 1 Corinthians 12:12-13:

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit."

The Corinthian church struggled to live out this unity, but Paul’s message is clear: in Christ, our differences do not divide us—they enrich us. When we honor one another as bearers of God’s image, we embody the countercultural values of God’s kingdom—a kingdom where the poor are blessed, the last are first, and honor is found in serving others.

So, who do we honor most? And how can we, as followers of Jesus, redefine honor in a way that reflects the heart of the gospel?

Discussion Questions:

In what ways does our society mirror Corinth’s obsession with honor, status, and wealth? How does this influence how we view ourselves and others?
How does Paul’s message about God choosing the “foolish” and “weak” challenge the way we evaluate success and importance in our personal lives and church communities?
What practical steps can we take to reflect the gospel’s values in how we honor and serve others, particularly those who may feel overlooked or marginalized?

2.16.25 CREATING THE COVENANT: Thankful for Sacrifice

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Hebrews 10:19-25, Hebrews 5:1-10

Episode 6: Witness

Daily Reading:

Day 1: Hebrew 1-2, Psalm 8

Day 2: Hebrews 3-4, Numbers 14

Day 3: Hebrews 4:14-7:28, Psalm 110

Day 4: Hebrews 8:1-10:18, Leviticus 16

Day 5: Hebrews 10:19-13:25

Day 6: Hebrews 10:6-11

Day 7: Group Meeting Experience on Hebrews 5:11-6:12

What do you think the biggest lie you tell yourself is? For me, it’s the belief that I have to save myself. Instead of trusting Jesus to do the work of saving, I fall into the trap of thinking that I alone am the only one I can depend on, and that anything good in my life must come solely from my own effort. It’s in this very trap—when I start relying on myself instead of Christ—that sin sneaks into my life.

This struggle is not unique to me or to our modern world. It mirrors the tension faced by the audience of the book of Hebrews, who were wrestling with their identity as people of the new covenant in Jesus Christ. These early Jewish Christians were caught between two pressures: the pull to revert to the old covenant practices of the Mosaic Law for security and belonging and the cultural temptation to assimilate into the Greco-Roman world with its values of self-reliance and conformity. The letter to the Hebrews addresses this tension by pointing them—and us—back to the sufficiency of Jesus as the mediator of a better covenant.

Throughout Hebrews, the author reminds the audience that the old covenant, while significant and God-ordained, was always pointing toward something greater. Hebrews 8:6 says, “But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.” The sacrificial system of the old covenant, though meaningful in its time, was incomplete—it could not perfect the people or fully atone for their sins. But through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, the new covenant was established once and for all. His sacrifice did what no amount of human effort could ever achieve: eternal redemption and reconciliation with God.

In reminding his audience of this truth, the author of Hebrews connects them to the great stories of faith from the Old Testament, those who lived as part of the covenant community before Christ. Hebrews 11 recounts the faith of figures like Abraham, who trusted God’s covenant promise that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars, and Moses, who chose to align himself with God’s people rather than the fleeting pleasures of Pharaoh’s court. These individuals were not perfect, nor did they save themselves—they trusted in God’s covenant promises, even when the fulfillment of those promises seemed distant or impossible.

For the early church, embracing this new covenant meant letting go of both cultural expectations and the security of the old system. It was an act of faith to trust that Jesus had done the work they could not do for themselves. Hebrews 12:1-2 calls them—and us—to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.”

When I fall into the lie of self-reliance, I forget that I’m living in covenant with a God who has already done the work of saving me through Jesus. Like the audience of Hebrews, I need to remember that I’m part of a bigger story—a covenant story that began with Abraham and continues through Christ, binding me to a community of faith that spans generations.

The challenge for all of us is this: How can we live as people of the covenant, trusting in God’s promises instead of striving to save ourselves? How can we, like the early Christians, resist the pull of culture and embrace the freedom, unity, and hope that come from being part of God’s covenant family? The book of Hebrews reminds us that our identity is rooted not in what we do, but in what Jesus has done—and that truth changes everything.

Discussion Questions:

How does the concept of covenant shape the way you understand your relationship with God?
In what ways are you tempted to rely on yourself rather than trusting Jesus to do the work of saving?
What can we learn from the faith of Old Testament figures like Abraham and Moses that helps us navigate the tension between cultural pressures and our identity as people of the new covenant?

2.9.25 CREATING THE COVENANT: Cultivating Grace

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 09:00:01 GMT

Romans 5:6-11, Galatians 5:16-26

Episode 5: Grace

Daily Reading:

Day 1: Romans 1-3

Day 2: Galatians 1:1-3:5, 5:2-12

Day 3: Galatians 3:6-4:7, Romans 4

Day 4: Romans 5-8, Galatians 5:13-25

Day 5: Romans 9-11

Day 6: Galatians 3:23-29

Day 7: Group Meeting Experience on: Romans 14:1-15:2

Have you ever done a group project? Chances are, you have. As you worked on that project, what role did you play? Were you the organizer, keeping everyone on task? The creative thinker, coming up with big ideas? Or maybe you were the quiet supporter, ensuring all the details were handled smoothly. In every group project, each person brings something unique to the table. But let’s be honest—nothing is more frustrating than when some people don’t pull their weight, leaving you to figure out how to make it all work. That kind of tension can make or break a project, and navigating it is never easy.

Now imagine you’re the Apostle Paul, leading the ultimate group project: the Early Church. Jesus has come, lived, died, resurrected, and ascended, and now it’s your job to figure out how to turn this diverse group of believers into a united body called the church. Scholar and theologian N.T. Wright paints a vivid picture of Paul, saying:

“When people in churches today discuss Paul and his letters, they often think only of the man of ideas who dealt with lofty and difficult concepts, implying a world of libraries, seminar rooms, or at least the minister’s study for quiet sermon preparation. We easily forget that the author of these letters spent most of his waking hours with his sleeves rolled up, doing hard physical work in a hot climate and that perhaps two-thirds of the conversations he had with people about Jesus and the gospel were conducted not in a place of worship or study, not even in a private home, but in a small, cramped workshop. Saul had his feet on the ground, and his hands were hardened with labor. But his head still buzzed with scripture and the news about Jesus.”

Paul’s task was to guide the early church through incredible conflict and complexity. They had to define their basic beliefs, theologies, and doctrines—all while bringing together people from different cultures and religions. This wasn’t an easy job. Paul built communities, mentored them, and coached them as they wrestled with how to live together in unity. It was a challenging task, one that came at a great personal cost.

Sometimes, we get into trouble with Paul when we forget he was a man of the first century, shaped by the context of his time—not someone whose values always mirror our own. As our Pastor of Congregational Care, Jonathan Watts, humorously remarked, “I believe when we get to heaven, Paul will be teaching a seminar called, ‘That’s not what I said.’”

But here’s the truth about Paul: even though he was deeply rooted in his time, he proclaimed ideas that were radically countercultural. One of his most powerful statements comes from Galatians 3:28:

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

I often wonder what Paul’s words might sound like today. Perhaps he would say, “There is neither Republican nor Democrat, rich nor poor, young nor old, black nor white, for we are all one in Christ Jesus.” In the body of Christ, our differences do not divide us; they enrich us. They remind us that we are united by something far greater than our worldly identities.

As covenant people, we don’t always agree. In fact, some days it might feel like we don’t agree on much at all. But our unity isn’t rooted in agreement; it’s rooted in our shared faith in Jesus Christ and our commitment to live as His followers. The early church faced its fair share of division, cultural clashes, and disagreements, yet with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they found ways to honor their differences, work together, and build a community grounded in love and grace.

Similarly, we are called to embrace the diversity within the body of Christ—not as a problem to solve, but as a gift that makes us stronger. When we engage in the hard work of living in covenant, we’re reminded that unity isn’t about uniformity. It’s about reflecting God’s love in how we treat, listen to, and grow with one another.

So today, take a moment to reflect: What role are you playing in the group project that is the body of Christ? Are you working to build unity, even when it’s difficult? Are you extending grace, even when someone doesn’t pull their weight? And are you listening for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as we move forward together as one? Because at the end of the day, our covenant with God—and with each other—reminds us that we’re not alone in this work. We’re all part of something far greater than ourselves.

Discussion Questions:

What role do you typically play in group projects, and how does that reflect the way you engage with the church community?
How can we, as a church, embrace our differences as strengths rather than sources of division? What practical steps can we take to live out Paul’s vision of unity in Christ?
When faced with conflict or disagreement in your faith community, how do you seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance to move forward in love and grace?

2.2.25 CREATING THE COVENANT: Relationship over Rules

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Matthew 18:1-14, Mark 2:23-28

Episode 4: God’s Kingdom

Daily Reading:

Day 1: Mark 1-4

Day 2: Mark 12-14

Day 3: Matthew 4-7

Day 4: Matthew 11-13

Day 5: Matthew 18-22

Day 6: Mark 10:13-16

Day 7: Group Meeting Experience on: Matthew 9:18-33

We’re finally here. To the covenant that we’re included in—Jesus and the New Covenant. Once again, God is ordering the world through the means of covenant. This covenant includes God partnering with humanity through the incarnation—God with us. But the New Covenant includes more than God’s work through Jesus’ action on the cross. No, the New Covenant includes the totality of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection. This week, we are focusing on Jesus’ life as a covenantal model for who we are and how we are supposed to live.

Jesus, as the fulfillment of God’s promises to the people, reveals how the Kingdom of God operates. His teachings, actions, and the way He relates to others are a blueprint for how we, as recipients of the New Covenant, are called to live. Through His parables, Jesus paints a picture of what life in God’s Kingdom looks like. He flips the expectations of the world upside down, teaching us that greatness is found in serving, that the first will be last, and that the Kingdom of God is open to the humble, the meek, and the brokenhearted.

In the Gospels, we see Jesus constantly inviting people into this new way of living, a life defined by grace, mercy, and justice. He heals the sick, comforts the afflicted, and challenges the self-righteous. His life becomes the ultimate demonstration of how a covenant relationship with God should shape every aspect of our lives. As we walk through the Scriptures this week, we’ll encounter the teachings and miracles of Jesus that illustrate what it means to live in a covenant with God that transforms us and our communities.

This week, we will not only study the words and actions of Jesus but reflect on how His life embodies the fulfillment of God’s covenant. His life is the ultimate act of love and faithfulness, and it is through Him that we experience restoration and reconciliation. Jesus is not just the one who brings us into covenant with God; He is the model for what it looks like to live in faithful, covenantal relationship with God.

Discussion Questions:

How does Jesus’ life, as depicted in the Gospels, serve as a model for how we are supposed to live in covenant with God?
In what ways do the parables of Jesus challenge our understanding of the Kingdom of God? How can we apply these lessons in our own lives?
How does Jesus’ teaching on greatness (e.g., serving others) flip the world’s idea of success and power? What does this mean for us as followers of Christ?
Reflecting on Jesus’ interactions with the marginalized, what does it mean to live out God’s covenant in a way that reaches out to those on the edges of society?
How does Jesus’ death and resurrection fit into the New Covenant, and how does this shape our understanding of God’s faithfulness and our role in the Kingdom of God today?

1.26.25 CREATING THE COVENANT: Freedom & Instruction

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 09:00:01 GMT

Exodus 3:7-14, Exodus 20:1-17

Episode 3: Freedom & Instruction

Daily Reading:

Day 1: Exodus 1-4

Day 2: Exodus 13:17-15:21

Day 3: Exodus 20-24

Day 4: Leviticus 19-22

Day 5: Numbers 11-14

Day 6: Leviticus 12:1-2

Day 7: Group Meeting Experience on Exodus 20:1-17

This week’s reading picks up right where we left off, give or take 400 years. The Israelites, having moved to Egypt following the famine and led by Jacob’s sons, were once a protected population. They were protected by Pharaohs who remembered what Joseph did for Egypt, until there was finally a Pharaoh who forgets who Joseph was and what he did for the people of Egypt, and so slowly the Israelites become slaves in Egypt. Much like the Pharaohs forgot Joseph’s name, the Israelites have forgotten God. And so, the cycle begins again.

God approaches Moses through the burning bush and offers to partner with him to deliver the Israelites from Egypt’s oppression. It’s interesting: before God offers to help Moses, God first makes an introduction saying, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” It’s almost like when someone introduces themselves to you as a friend of your grandmother—it gives you more of a reason to trust that person. Moses would only have a loose understanding of who this God is because he was raised with a dual identity of Egyptian and Hebrew. After some assurances from God, Moses trusts the plan and partners with God to deliver the Israelites. God puts on a show through signs and wonders to prove to the Israelites that He is their God and that He is in the business of working for their good. We’ll begin to see how God reminds the Israelites of all that has been done for them, calling them back to faithfulness.

Because God saves them, the Israelites are declared holy, set apart, and God’s chosen people. God saves them and expects them to live a certain way in response to their status as chosen. This is a group of people who have never truly been a group of people. That’s how slavers keep people enslaved: by stripping their cultural identity and instilling fear. The Israelites have to learn how to be a people—and, more importantly, a people who worship God. This is where the importance of the Holiness Code comes into play. God gives them boundaries and rules—not out of a desire to control, but to create order and safety in their new identity. These rules are essential for shaping the Israelites into a nation that reflects God’s holiness.

The Holiness Code, as found in Leviticus, lays out specific guidelines for how the Israelites should treat God and each other. These rules are not arbitrary; they are a reflection of their covenant relationship with God, and they serve as a reminder of the holiness that God desires to cultivate in them. The Israelites were chosen not just to be saved, but to live as a distinct people who reflect God’s character in the world. Their obedience to these rules would be a sign of their identity as God’s holy people, set apart to demonstrate God’s love, justice, and mercy to the nations.

These rules helped the Israelites learn what it meant to be God’s people in a world that didn’t know who I AM is. As they obeyed, they would grow closer to God, live in harmony with one another, and become a witness to the surrounding nations of what it looks like to live under the reign of a holy and just God. The covenant, beginning in Genesis and continuing here, is not just about promises made—it’s about a way of life that is meant to reflect God’s holiness. Today, as we read these ancient texts, we are reminded that the covenant God made with the Israelites continues to call us to live lives marked by holiness and faithfulness to God, even if our standards for holiness look a little different today.

Discussion Questions:

How does the idea of being “set apart” or “holy” shape the way the Israelites were meant to live? How does it impact us today as God’s people?
Why do you think God begins by reminding Moses of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? What does this reveal about the continuity of God’s promises throughout history?
What role do rules and boundaries play in the development of the Israelite community? How can rules be seen as acts of grace and care, rather than as restrictions?
How does the Holiness Code shape our understanding of God’s expectations for His people? In what ways do these guidelines inform our relationship with God and others today?
The Israelites were called to reflect God’s holiness in their actions. How can we, as modern believers, live out this calling in our daily lives? What are some practical ways to live as a “holy people” today?

To find a group, purchase a book, or learn more, click HERE .

1.19.25 CREATING THE COVENANT: Faithful to All

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Genesis 9:8-17, Hebrews 11:3-10

Episode 2: Who Are We?

Daily Reading:

Day 1: Genesis 1-3

Day 2: Genesis 6:5-9:17, 11:1-9 *

Day 3: Genesis 12, 15, 17, 22

Day 4: Genesis 27-28, 32-33

Day 5: Genesis 37, 41, 43, 45, 50

Day 6: Genesis 1:26-31

Day 7: Group Meeting Experience on Genesis 9: 7-17

We begin our covenantal journey at the very beginning, with Genesis—a book that introduces the patterns of covenantal relationships between God and humanity. In Genesis, we encounter the covenant with Adam and Eve, the covenant with Noah, and the covenant with Abraham. These foundational stories announce humanity’s need for covenant with God and set the stage for God’s faithful, restorative work despite human failure. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve are given dominion over creation with one condition: not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Yet, tempted by the serpent, they break this first covenant, establishing a recurring pattern of human disobedience and divine faithfulness.

The story of Noah deepens this theme. Disheartened by humanity’s wickedness, God chooses to start over with a flood but spares Noah and his family. After the waters recede, God makes a covenant with Noah, promising never to destroy creation in this way again. This moment shifts the narrative from destruction to restoration, highlighting God’s steadfast commitment to humanity despite its failings. God’s promise to remember the goodness of creation becomes a cornerstone of God’s relationship with the world, reaffirming the divine intention to partner with humanity.

The covenantal story then moves to the family of Abraham and Sarah, whom God calls to leave their home and promises to make into a great nation. Though they trust God, they falter, doubting God’s timing and taking matters into their own hands. Yet, through their faith and flaws, God’s promises endure, and Isaac is born. This covenant is carried forward by Isaac and Rebekah, then Jacob, whose journey reflects both personal failures and divine faithfulness. Jacob’s transformation into Israel and his family’s eventual settlement in Egypt demonstrate that God’s promises persist even through human imperfection and family conflict.

Genesis concludes with the story of Joseph, a powerful example of how God works through human suffering to fulfill covenantal purposes. Betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, Joseph rises to power in Egypt and ultimately saves his family during a famine. His declaration, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good,” underscores the central theme of covenant: human failure is never the end of the story, because God’s faithfulness endures. As we explore these ancient partnerships, we are reminded that God invites us into covenant still today—a relationship of promise, restoration, and steadfast love that draws us closer to the divine goodness. In Genesis God announces the intention of Covenant and we are called to hear that announcement today and engage with the New Covenant- Christ.

Discussion Questions:

How does the recurring pattern of human failure and God’s faithfulness in Genesis shape our understanding of the relationship between humanity and God?
In the story of Noah, what does the shift from destruction to restoration teach us about God’s intentions for creation and humanity?
How do the lives of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Jacob illustrate both the challenges and blessings of living in covenant with God?
What can we learn from Joseph’s declaration, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good,” about God’s ability to work through human suffering to fulfill covenantal purposes?
How does reflecting on the covenants in Genesis inspire us to engage with the New Covenant in Christ in our own lives?

To find a group, purchase a book, or learn more, click HERE .

1.12.25 CREATING THE COVENANT: The Heart of God

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Jeremiah 31:31-38, John 13:31-35

Episode 1: The Year of Covenant

Reading: An Introduction to the Bible in the CEB

Over the past few weeks at Trinity, one question has surfaced repeatedly: “Why would we spend an entire year learning about covenants?” The first time I heard it, I thought, Huh, not everyone finds covenants as fascinating as I do. Yet, every time the question came up, my answer stayed the same: Covenants are central to how God relates to humanity.

In fact, the theme of covenant is one of the most important threads running through all of Scripture. Covenants are the backbone of God’s redemptive plan to restore humanity to its divine calling. From Genesis onward, God enters into formal partnerships (covenants) with various people to rescue and renew creation. These divine-human partnerships drive the biblical narrative forward, culminating in Jesus. Telling the story of God redeeming humanity through Jesus is, at its heart, telling the story of God’s covenantal relationship with us.

So, what exactly is a covenant? A covenant is a relational partnership where two parties make binding promises to work toward a common goal. These agreements often include oaths, signs, and ceremonies. While they define obligations and commitments, covenants are different from contracts because they are deeply relational and personal.

Scripture shows us several types of covenants. Some are between individuals—for example, marriage, where two people commit to lifelong faithfulness and devotion. Others are between groups of people and God, such as the promises made during baptism to love, nurture, and care for a child. Big or small, covenants are at the heart of how God interacts with people.

When we view Scripture through the lens of covenant, one thing becomes clear: God is faithful, and humans are very good at breaking the promises we make to God.

The story of covenant begins in the Garden of Eden. While the term “covenant” isn’t explicitly used with Adam and Eve, its components are present. God promises to care for them and gives them dominion over creation, but they are required to uphold their end by refraining from eating the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Yet, prodded by the serpent, Adam and Eve fail their first test of covenant faithfulness. This pattern—human failure followed by God’s faithfulness—repeats throughout Scripture until the arrival of the New Covenant.

There are five major covenants in the Bible:

The Noahic Covenant
The Abrahamic Covenant
The Mosaic Covenant
The Davidic Covenant
The New Covenant

If these sound unfamiliar or overwhelming, I recommend watching this video from The Bible Project for a helpful overview.

The story of covenant reaches its climax in the New Covenant, established through Jesus—God with us. This covenant, foretold by the prophets, is enduring and transformative. One of my favorite prophecies about the New Covenant is found in Jeremiah 31:31-34:

"The time is coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. It won’t be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt. They broke that covenant, though I was their partner,” declares the Lord. “But this is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time: I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

So why are we dedicating 2025 to the theme of Covenant at Trinity?

First, it provides an opportunity to immerse ourselves in Scripture and turn our hearts to God rather than being tossed about by the chaos of daily life.

Second, and more importantly, we cannot fully understand God without understanding how God relates to us—and God chooses covenant as the foundation of that relationship.

Living in covenant with God is a privilege. It’s messy and hard, but through Jesus and the New Covenant, God remains faithful even when we falter. Over the next eight weeks, we will explore together how God creates covenantal partnerships with humanity to draw us closer to God’s goodness.

Discussion Questions:

Covenants are "relational partnership" that is both personal and binding. How does this definition influence your understanding of how God interacts with humanity and with you personally?
Throughout Scripture, humans repeatedly fail to uphold their part of the covenant, yet God remains faithful. Why do you think God chooses to remain committed to humanity despite our shortcomings?
Modern examples of covenants include marriage and baptismal promises. How do these examples help you relate to or understand the biblical idea of covenant? Can you think of any other examples of covenants?
Jeremiah 31:31-34 describes the New Covenant as one written on hearts rather than stone. What does it mean to you that God’s laws and promises are internal and relational rather than external and transactional?
Learning about covenants helps us better understand God’s character and how God relates to us. How might dedicating time to this theme woven throughout scripture deepen your faith or change how you live out your relationship with God?

To find a group, purchase a book, or learn more, click HERE .

1.5.25 Renewed for the Journey

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 09:00:00 GMT

Joshua 1:1-9, Matthew 3:13-17 (CEB)

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, I am excited to share a special message, entitled “Renewed for the Journey,” based on Joshua 1:1-9 and Matthew 3:13-17 . As we begin a new year together, this sermon invites us to reflect on how God calls us to step boldly into his promises, embracing the journey ahead with courage, faith, and renewed commitment.

Joshua’s story reminds us that stepping into God’s purpose requires trust, preparation, and faithfulness to God’s Word. As Joshua prepared to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, God instructed him to keep the Word close: “Never stop speaking about this Instruction scroll. Recite it day and night so you can carefully obey everything written in it.” In the same way, Jesus’ baptism not only affirms his identity as God’s beloved Son but also marks the beginning of his ministry, the very Word made flesh.

This year at Trinity, we are emphasizing the importance of engaging deeply with Scripture—both individually and as a community. Reading the Bible is foundational to our faith journey, shaping us into the people God has called us to be. During the service, we will introduce ways for you to join us in this commitment, through personal reading plans, small group studies, and worship.

We will also celebrate Baptism of the Lord Sunday with a Congregational Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant. You’ll be invited to come forward as clergy place the sign of the cross on your forehead with water, saying, “Remember your baptism and be thankful.” This act is not re-baptism, but a moment to renew our commitment to Christ and to support the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. If you have never been baptized and desire to do so, please reach out to one of the pastors and we would be glad to talk with you more.

As we prepare your hearts for worship, consider these questions for reflection:

How is God calling you to grow in your relationship with him through Scripture this year?
What steps of faith is God leading you to take in 2025?
How does remembering your baptism renew your sense of purpose and identity in Christ?

I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday at 9 am Traditional or 10:30 am Contemporary. Together, let’s step into 2025 renewed in faith, rooted in the Word, and ready for the journey God has for us.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

12.29.24 HOLY DISRUPTION: Celebrating the Holy Disruption - Lessons & Carols Service

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 09:00:01 GMT

Luke 2:25–35

As the Christmas season unfolds, one cherished tradition among many churches is the Lessons & Carols service. This unique gathering weaves together Scripture readings, carols, and hymns to retell the story of God’s redemptive work through Christ. At its core, this service invites worshippers to reflect on the profound mystery of the Incarnation and respond in awe and gratitude.

This year, our Lessons & Carols service will conclude our Holy Disruption sermon series by centering on the account of Simeon in Luke 2:25–35 (CEB) , a passage filled with wonder, fulfillment, and hope. Simeon’s praise of God captures the essence of Advent and Christmas: a celebration of the fulfillment of God's promises and the revelation of salvation to all people through the greatest holy disruption of all time - the birth of Christ.

Simeon, a righteous and devout man, lived in expectation of the "consolation of Israel," embodying the deep longing of God’s people for redemption. His active hope, guided by prayer and the Holy Spirit, was fulfilled when he encountered the infant Jesus in the temple. Taking Him in his arms, Simeon praised God, declaring Jesus as the light for all nations and the glory of Israel. The Lessons & Carols service echoes this anticipation and fulfillment, inviting us to celebrate how Christ's birth brings hope, peace, and redemption to all people.

Simeon’s prophecy acknowledges both the joy and the cost of Jesus’ mission, foretelling that Jesus will be a sign that is opposed, revealing the hearts of many and bringing both challenge and salvation. This reminds us that the joy of Christmas is inseparable from the reality of the cross, calling us to embrace both the hope and the cost of following Christ. Simeon's encounter with Jesus invites us to respond in worship and trust. The Lessons & Carols service offers space to echo his gratitude, proclaim Christ’s light to the world, and find peace in God’s promises, courage to follow Him, and joy in sharing His love with others.

As you prepare your hearts for Lessons & Carols this week, I invite you to reflect on these questions:

What are the longings or hopes you bring before God this Christmas season? How does Simeon’s steadfast faith in God’s promises inspire you to trust in God's timing?
Simeon recognizes Jesus as the light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel. How do you see Jesus bringing light into the world today, and how can you share that light with others?
Simeon speaks of both the joy and the challenges of Jesus’ mission. How does reflecting on the cost of following Christ deepen your understanding of Christmas and shape your response to His call in your life?

The Lessons & Carols service is more than a retelling of the nativity; it’s an invitation to join the timeless song of praise for the Savior who fulfills every promise. This Christmas, let Simeon’s words inspire worship and remind us of the light and salvation Christ brings to all. I look forward to worshiping with you at 10 am for a Combined Service in the Sanctuary!

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

12.22.24 HOLY DISRUPTION: Seeking the Holy Disruption

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 09:00:01 GMT

Matthew 2:1-2, 7-12, Isaiah 9:2-7

Dear Trinity Family and Friends,

I pray that you are being blessed with a holy Advent season so far! Over the past three weeks, we have considered the experiences of familiar people from the Advent story: Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, and King Herod. Now in the fourth week, we come to the most mysterious witnesses of the advent of the Christ - magi from the east.

It’s easy to forget that this week’s scripture from Isaiah (60:1-3) was already several centuries old by the time Jesus was born. It is thrilling and amazing to think that in Jesus’ time, before people’s very eyes, ancient scripture was being fulfilled! The magi followed a great light that had come - following the also-mysterious star - to locate the great Light that had come to save the world from darkness, that is, Jesus the Christ.

I’m keenly aware that many of us are very familiar with these passages of scripture and with the Advent accounts in general. Let’s try to approach the scriptures this year with fresh minds and eyes, and experience these texts anew. To that end, let’s consider the following questions as we prepare ourselves to worship together:

The magi are strangers to Jerusalem, foreigners who have come from outside and yet demonstrate significant determination to come and witness the “king of the Jews.” How have you generally viewed foreigners or strangers? Have you had the experience of feeling like a foreigner yourself, when visiting a new country or interacting with people outside of your comfort zone?
The magi seem to place great importance on the fulfillment of prophecy. Some Christian groups continue to emphasize prophecy fulfillment today, while others (United Methodism included) may not spend as much time or energy on prophetic fulfillment. In your personal spiritual life, do you believe deeply in scriptural prophecy and look for it to be fulfilled - or is it an aspect of religion that seems less familiar or comfortable to you?
There are many ways to interpret the description of the magi’s action upon locating the Christ, translated in the CEB as “honored him” (Matt. 2:11). What is your opinion of their actions? Are they worshiping the Living God by this action, merely paying homage to a foreign king, or something else entirely?

I pray that the Lord will draw our attention once again towards the humble origins of the most important human life in history. I look forward to worshiping with you in person and online, at 9 or 10:30 am, this Sunday!

In Christ,

Pastor Dale

12.15.24 HOLY DISRUPTION: Resisting the Holy Disruption

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 09:00:01 GMT

Matthew 2:1-9, 16-18, Luke 1:39-55

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

As we continue our Advent sermon series, Holy Disruption , I am looking forward to sharing this week’s sermon, entitled “Resisting the Holy Disruption,” based on Matthew 2:1-9, 16-18 and Luke 1:39-55 . This message invites us to reflect on the ways we respond when God’s plans challenge our expectations, comforts, or sense of control.

The story of King Herod serves as a stark reminder of how fear and resistance can cloud our ability to see God’s work in our midst. Herod’s response to the news of the newborn King was one of defensiveness and violence—an effort to preserve his power at all costs. In contrast, Mary and Elizabeth show us another way: a willingness to trust God’s purposes, even when they are disruptive and unexpected. Mary’s song, The Magnificat, reveals a heart open to the transformative power of God’s plan for justice and redemption.

As you prepare your hearts for worship this week, consider these questions for reflection and small group discussion:

How do you see the difference between Herod’s resistance and Mary’s trust reflected in your own life?
What fears or uncertainties have caused you to resist God’s leading?
How does Mary’s song, The Magnificat, challenge or inspire you to embrace God’s work in the world?
In what ways might you surrender your resistance to God and open yourself to his plans this Advent season?

I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday at 9 am Traditional or 10:30 am Contemporary as we continue to explore the holy disruptions that draw us closer to God and his purpose for our lives.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

12.8.24 HOLY DISRUPTION: Embracing the Holy Disruption

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 09:00:01 GMT

Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-38

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, we continue our Holy Disruption sermon series by reflecting on the stories of Mary and Joseph. Their journeys remind us that God’s plans often interrupt our own, inviting us to trust and follow Him into the unknown. These stories encourage us to embrace God’s moments of holy disruption, allowing our ordinary lives to fulfill extraordinary purposes.

Consider Mary.

Her holy disruption unfolds in Luke 1:26-38 (CEB). Mary, a young woman with her future ahead of her, is visited by the angel Gabriel with life-changing news: she will bear the Son of God. Though her plans are thrown into chaos, Mary responds with remarkable faith: "I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). Mary’s surrender teaches us to trust God, even when His plans disrupt our own.

Now think about Joseph.

His holy disruption is told in Matthew 1:18-25 (CEB). When Joseph learns of Mary’s pregnancy, he plans to end their engagement quietly. But an angel appears to him in a dream, calling him to a greater purpose: to take Mary as his wife and raise the child as his own. Joseph’s obedience reminds us that trusting God often requires decisive action, even when the future feels uncertain.

As we prepare for this week’s sermon, I invite you to reflect on these questions:

How do you typically respond to life’s disruptions?
What can you learn from Mary’s surrender and Joseph’s obedience?
How might God be inviting you to trust Him in the midst of your own uncertainties?

Mary and Joseph didn’t know the full scope of what God was doing through them. They simply trusted and obeyed, taking one step at a time in faith. Through their surrender and obedience, the Savior of the world was born.

This Advent season, let us embrace the holy disruptions in our lives as opportunities to trust in God’s greater plan. Like Mary and Joseph, may we respond with faith and courage, discovering that even in uncertainty, God is bringing hope, peace, joy, and love into the world.

I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday!

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

12.1.24 HOLY DISRUPTION: Guided by the Holy Disruption

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 09:00:01 GMT

Matthew 1:1-17, John 3:16-17

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

This Sunday marks the beginning of our Advent sermon series, Holy Disruption . I am looking forward to sharing the first sermon, entitled “Guided by the Holy Disruption,” focusing on Matthew 1:1-17 and John 3:16-17 . Together, we will explore how God’s plan of redemption often unfolds in unexpected ways, even through a messy and imperfect family tree.

The genealogy of Jesus may seem like an unusual starting point for Advent, but within this list of names, we find the profound truth that God’s work is never hindered by human imperfection. From Abraham to David to Jesus, the stories of brokenness and redemption remind us that God weaves all things together for good. We will celebrate Holy Communion Sunday, which reminds us to reflect on how we, too, are part of this ongoing story of grace and redemption.

As you prepare your hearts for worship this week, I invite you to reflect on these questions, whether on your own, with your family, or in a small group:

How does the genealogy of Jesus challenge your understanding of who God can use in his redemptive plan?
What unexpected events or “disruptions” in your life have revealed God’s guidance and grace?
How does the promise of God’s faithfulness through generations bring hope to your own story?
In what ways can you embody God’s love and faithfulness in your family and community this Advent season?

I look forward to gathering with you this Sunday at 9 am Traditional or 10:30 am Contemporary as we begin this journey of discovering God in the midst of life’s holy disruptions.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

11.24.24 GIVING THANKS FOR OUR PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE: From Mockery to Majesty (Christ the King Sunday)

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 09:00:00 GMT

John 18:33-37, Daniel 7:9-10,13-14

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

I’m grateful to share the final message before the Thanksgiving holiday, and Advent, with you on Sunday November 24!

Our two scriptures for the day, Daniel 7:9-14 and John 18:33-37 , give us two radically different images of the nature of a king. Daniel’s vision: the heavenly throne room, a river of fire flowing from God’s presence, thousands worshiping the Lord! John’s depiction: a Nazarene healer and teacher, beaten down, humiliated, seemingly at the mercy of Roman imperial power.

As we prepare to enter these two throne rooms, consider these questions:

What images pop into your mind when you hear the word “king”? Do they match up with either vision from Daniel or from John?
In the United States, we are no longer ruled by a king at the head of our government. But local officials, state officials and even the office of the President may be influenced by the examples set in the scripture of how kings govern. What Christ-like attributes do you look for in someone with authority? What qualities of our King would you like to see more leaders embody?
It may cause us pain to see how our Lord was treated by a Roman official.

I sincerely hope that you will join us to worship our one true King, at 9 am or 10:30 am, in person or online. We’re grateful when you take the time to worship with us!

In Christ,

Pastor Dale

11.17.24 GIVING THANKS FOR OUR PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE: Thankful for the Moment (Thanksgiving)

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 09:00:03 GMT

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Philippians 4:11b-13

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, I am excited to bring a message that I believe will resonate deeply with many of us. We will be focusing our hearts and attention on the idea of being “Thankful for the Moment."

If you’re like me, life often feels like a race from one activity to the next. There’s always something on the horizon, something to prepare for, and before we know it, we’ve moved through an entire day or week without ever pausing to be fully present. In that rush, how often do we miss the beauty of the moment we’re in? Even more, how often do we fail to give thanks for that very moment—whether it’s filled with joy or challenges, ease or struggle?

In our time together, we will turn to Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and Philippians 4:11-13 to guide our reflections. These scriptures remind us that there is a time for everything, and in every season, we are called to ground ourselves in gratitude and faith. Through these passages, we’ll explore how to truly embrace the moments we are living, learning to appreciate both the highs and lows, knowing that each has a purpose.

As we prepare for this week’s sermon, I invite you to reflect on these questions:

Can you relate to the feeling of rushing through the day without taking the opportunity to pause and appreciate the moment? What small changes can you make to slow down and notice the blessings in front of you?
In challenging or difficult seasons, how do you typically respond—do you focus on escaping the situation, or do you seek God’s presence within it? In those harder moments, how might God be inviting you to grow or find peace rather than simply wishing them away?
How can you reframe daily routines and tasks with a spirit of thankfulness? What would it take to see these mundane and potentially stressful realities as opportunities for connection, growth, or simply living in God’s grace?

I look forward to reflecting on these truths with you and praying together as we seek to live more intentionally, appreciating the gift of each moment. See you Sunday!

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

11.10.24 GIVING THANKS FOR OUR PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE: Who Do We Say Jesus Is?

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 09:00:00 GMT

Matthew 16: 13-20 , ‭Galatians 6: 2-10

If someone you loved asked, “Who do you say that I am?” you’d have an answer. You might say, “You are my friend. You are kind. You are funny. You don’t let me be hard on myself. You make me better. You help me relax and have fun.” But in a close friendship, it’s not just the words that matter—it’s the shared experiences and how they’ve shaped your life. Maybe they have a phrase you’ve picked up over the years, a quirk that makes you laugh, or even a habit that annoys you when others do it. Close relationships change the way we live. At least, they should.

Now, if someone asked you, “Who do you say Jesus is?” how would you respond? Would you respond like Peter in our reading from Matthew, “The Christ, the Son of the living God.” Would you answer as if he were a close friend, or would you talk about him like a distant figure from history, confined to the pages of scripture? Does knowing Jesus affect the way you live? Do you think of Him and smile when something reminds you of Him? My deepest hope is that people who don’t know Jesus can see Christ reflected in the way I live. But I also worry that my own pride and selfishness might get in the way.

This week, we’ll talk about how others can come to know Christ through the way you and I live our lives.

Who do you say Jesus is?
In Matthew 16:15, Jesus asks His disciples, "But who do you say that I am?" How would you personally answer this question today? Do you see Jesus as a close friend actively shaping your life, or as a figure from scripture? How does this relationship affect the way you live?
How do our actions reflect our relationship with Jesus?
Peter’s confession in Matthew 16:16—"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God"—was a declaration of faith, but Jesus also calls for His followers to live out that faith. Reflecting on the blog post, how do your thoughts, words, and actions demonstrate your belief in Christ? Are there areas where pride or selfishness might obscure Christ’s reflection through you?
How can others come to know Christ through us?
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says to Peter, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church." Just as Peter became foundational to spreading the gospel, we are called to reveal Christ to others. Based on the blog post, what practical steps can you take to show Jesus in your daily life so that others may come to know Him through your actions?

Matthew 16:13-20, ‭Galatians 6: 2-10

See you Sunday!

Becca Bibee, Director of Discipleship

11.3.24 GIVING THANKS FOR OUR PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE: Blessed to Build the Kingdom (All Saints Sunday)

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 08:00:01 GMT

Matthew 5:1-12, Revelation 7:9-10, 13-17

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

As we approach All Saints Sunday this week, I am looking forward to sharing a sermon entitled “Blessed to Build the Kingdom,” focusing on Matthew 5:1-12 (NRSV) and Revelation 7:9-10, 13-17 (CEB). We will honor the faithful saints who have journeyed with us, shaped us, and left a legacy of faith, love, and service. In celebrating these saints, we are reminded that we, too, are called to be builders of the Kingdom . Through their example, we see that God’s Kingdom is built not through status or power but through ordinary acts of faithfulness, compassion, and justice. It is a privilege and responsibility to carry forward this legacy as we strive to embody the Beatitudes in our lives and communities.

Historically, All Saints Sunday has been a sacred day in the Christian Tradition, observed as early as the 4th Century. In this week’s service, we will celebrate Holy Communion, recognizing the communion of saints—those who are present with us and those who have joined the heavenly assembly. We will also name those in our congregation who have passed in the last year, giving thanks for their witness and reflecting on how their lives continue to inspire and challenge us today. I am grateful that many of their family members will be with us in worship.

As you prepare for this week, consider these questions for reflection and small group discussion:

What characteristics from the Beatitudes do you see reflected in the lives of saints you have known, either personally or within our congregation?
How does the vision of the multitude in Revelation 7 inspire your understanding of the building of God’s Kingdom?
In what ways can you actively embody the values of the Beatitudes in your daily life and relationships?
How has the legacy of past saints influenced your journey of faith, and how might you contribute to building a legacy for future generations?

I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday at 9 am Traditional or 10:30 am Contemporary.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

10.27.24 WHY TRINITY: “I Am Here to Rejoice - A Day of Celebration”

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 08:00:01 GMT

Ephesians 3:14-21, Psalm 118:19-24

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, we will conclude our 2025 Stewardship Campaign with a sermon entitled “I Am Here to Rejoice – A Day of Celebration,” based on Ephesians 3:14-21 (CEB) and Psalm 118:19-24 (NRSV). In this season of reflection, we are reminded that God calls us to not only a life of purpose but also a life of joy. The Apostle Paul’s prayer in Ephesians invites us to explore the depth of God’s love—a love that strengthens, roots, and fills us with all the fullness of God. This powerful reminder speaks to God’s ability to accomplish more than we can ask or imagine through the Spirit at work within us.

This Sunday will be a celebration of the joy that flows from knowing Christ and being part of the Trinity Family. We will rejoice in God’s abundant love and grace, celebrate the ways God has moved in our lives, and look forward to the work still to come. Together, we will lift our voices in gratitude for the ways God is shaping us and guiding our journey forward.

As you prepare for this Sunday’s sermon, I encourage you to reflect on these questions:

How have you experienced the strength and fullness of God’s love in your life?
What are you most grateful for as you reflect on your faith journey and your place in the Trinity Family?
How does the call to “rejoice and be glad” shape your perspective, especially during challenging times?
How can we, as a church, express our gratitude and joy through our ministries and service?

During both services on Sunday—9 am Traditional and 10:30 am Contemporary—there will be an opportunity for each of us to prayerfully bring our 2025 Commitment Cards to the altar. This act of commitment is not just about supporting the mission and ministries of the church, but also a tangible expression of our faith and trust in God’s provision for the year ahead. We invite you to prepare your heart for this meaningful moment as we come together to dedicate our resources and our lives to the work God is doing through Trinity.

Thank you for your generosity and support. I look forward to worshipping with you and celebrating the incredible ways God is at work in and through us.

See you on Sunday!

Pastor Dedric

10.20.24 WHY TRINITY: “I Am Here to Do My Part”

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 08:00:03 GMT

Ephesians 4:7-12, 15-16, 1 Corinthians 12:4-12, 24-26

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, we continue our “Why Trinity” Stewardship series with a sermon titled “I Am Here to Do My Part,” grounded in Ephesians 4:7-12, 15-16 (CEB) and 1 Corinthians 12:4-12, 24b-26 (CEB). Both of these passages compare the church to a human body—a unified whole made up of many different parts, each with its own purpose. In this analogy, every believer is seen as an essential piece, contributing their God-given gifts to the mission and ministry of the church.

Through this message, we’ll reflect on how each of us is uniquely equipped by God to support the church’s growth and unity. We’ll explore the significance of using our gifts to strengthen the body of Christ and emphasize that every member plays a crucial role in nurturing our faith community.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing our gifts to others, believing that if our contributions aren’t as visible or far-reaching, they don’t matter. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Every part, no matter how small it may seem, is vital to the body of Christ. Your role in this mission is needed and deeply valued.

As we prepare for this week’s sermon, I invite you to reflect on these questions:

Reflecting on your “part” at work, in a sports team, a musical group, or another organization, do you feel confident in the abilities you bring to fulfill your specific responsibilities? Why or why not?
Do you feel more or less certain about the “part” God has gifted you for at Trinity and within the body of Christ? What contributes to your level of confidence?
It's common to feel like our part in the body of Christ is less significant if it's not as visible as that of a preacher, teacher, or musician. How does Paul's use of body imagery in 1 Corinthians help you better appreciate and value the variety of gifts needed in the body of Christ, including your own?
What do you see as your role at Trinity and within the body of Christ? Are you fulfilling it to the best of your ability for God's glory? Why or why not?

As we prepare to dive deeper into these scriptures and reflect on our unique roles in the body of Christ, let’s remember that every contribution—no matter how visible or behind the scenes—carries immense value. God has gifted each of us with abilities meant to build up and strengthen our community. Take time this week to consider how you can use your gifts to serve more fully, not out of comparison, but out of a deep understanding of the vital role you play in God’s mission. Together, we can embrace our parts and work toward the unity and growth of the church, knowing that each of us is indispensable to the body of Christ.

See you on Sunday!

Pastor Carrie

10.13.24 WHY TRINITY: “I Am Here to Grow”

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 08:00:02 GMT

Ephesians 4:11-16, Psalm 1:1-3

Dear Trinity Family and Friends,

I’m excited to share with you today about the second message in our sermon series, “Why Trinity.” Last Sunday we learned about our purpose, considering Esther’s role at a very specific moment in history to accomplish a very specific work of God. This week we will talk about growth as part of our participation here at Trinity United Methodist Church.

Along with our continuing look at Ephesians 4:7-16 , we will also utilize Psalm 1 (the very first psalm out of one-hundred and fifty!). The first three verses of the Bible’s longest book begin with some great timeless wisdom for all human lives: avoid the path of the wicked and love the path of our God! This seems like simplistic advice at first, until we get to verse three - where the psalmist gives us an image of a great tree rooted deep in the soil, receiving nourishment over and over again. Our very lives may resemble this great tree, as we are rooted deep in the soil of our faith and replenished time and time again by the gathering of God’s people, the singing of hymns of faith, and the collective study of God’s word as a part of the Trinity family.

This week’s theme is on growth. The dictionary defines “growth” as the process of increasing. So what does this have to do with our faith? Well, if we are satisfied with our current level of faith and our current level of discipleship, and make no commitment to increase our faith, then we aren’t really engaging in the “process of increasing” our faith, are we? Growth is a very common word, but that does not mean that growth is easy. We must be very intentional in our faith: taking note of how faithful we are today, making plans for tangible steps towards a future increase of our faith, and then following through on what we planned to do. Growth will not happen accidentally.

I want to leave you with the three following questions to consider, either in your personal study, to discuss with your family members at home or to raise in your Sunday school classes or small groups:

Have I recently been tempted by “wicked advice”? How was I able to recognize it for what it was, and resist?
Maybe I recite God’s instructions day and night - but maybe not! How can I make the beautiful words of scripture a more regular piece of my day?
Think about someone who helped you to grow in your faith journey. Praise God for them, and ask God to send someone into your life that you might pour faith into that other person in turn.

I hope to see you in person this Sunday at our 9 am traditional service or the 10:30 am contemporary service, or to see that you’ve worshipped with us online. May God richly bless you as we grow in Christ together!

In Christ,

Pastor Dale

10.6.24 WHY TRINITY: “I Am Here for a Purpose”

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 08:00:03 GMT

Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13, Esther 4:9-17

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

As we begin our 2025 Stewardship Campaign, “Why Trinity,” I am excited to share that we will start this journey with a sermon entitled “I Am Here for a Purpose,” based on Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13 (CEB) and Esther 4:9-17 (CEB). In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul urges us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. We are reminded that the body of Christ is made up of many parts, each with a purpose, all contributing to the unity and growth of the whole. This message is echoed in the story of Esther, where she discovers that she has been placed in her position “for such a time as this” to make a difference for her people. Both of these scriptures speak to the truth that God has a specific purpose for each of us within the church and in the world.

Our presence here at Trinity United Methodist Church is no accident. Perhaps it was a sermon that touched your heart, a small group that supported you, or a ministry that opened your eyes to God’s work in your life. I invite each of you to reflect on those pivotal moments, embrace your current role, and look ahead with hope as we discern how God is calling us to serve in the future. Each of us has a unique calling and role in this community, and together, we will explore how God is inviting us to gather in love, grow in faith, and give back in joy.

As we prepare for this week’s sermon, I invite you to reflect on these questions:

What pivotal moments have shaped your faith journey and led you to Trinity?
In what ways do you feel God is calling you to contribute to the growth and unity of our church family?
How does the story of Esther inspire you to recognize moments when God calls you “for such a time as this” in your own life?
What steps can we take as a community to continue building each other up in faith and love, as Paul encourages in Ephesians 4:12-16?

This is a special time for us as a congregation, and I believe that God is leading us toward a deeper understanding of our shared purpose. Together, we’ll reflect on how God has brought us to Trinity and how we can continue growing in faith, unity, and service. I am deeply grateful for you and the ways you continue to support the work of ministry with your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.

See you on Sunday!

Pastor Dedric

9.29.24 FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE TABLE: “Driving Force”

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 08:00:02 GMT

Matthew 16:24-28

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

As we conclude our sermon series, “From Both Sides of the Table,” we will explore a topic that resonates deeply with the challenges of our modern lives: “Driving Force.”

This final sermon, based on Matthew 16:24-28 (CEB), invites us into a conversation on what it means to follow Christ with humility and selflessness while navigating the pursuit of success and prosperity in our daily lives. The passage challenges us to take up our cross, deny ourselves, and follow Jesus—a call that seems counterintuitive in a world that often celebrates self-promotion and personal gain. Yet, within this paradox lies the heart of the Gospel.

I’m excited to share that I have invited Larry Lowe, our Church Council Chairperson, as my conversation partner for this concluding sermon. Larry brings a wealth of experience and a thoughtful perspective that I believe will enrich our discussion. Together, we will explore how we, as a faith community, can embody the humility and selflessness of Christ while still striving for excellence in all we do.

As in our previous sermons, we’ll be guided by the Wesleyan Quadrilateral — Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience . This approach will help us ground our conversation in the wisdom of our faith while remaining open to the diverse insights that the Spirit may bring through our shared experiences.

As we prepare our hearts and minds, I encourage you to reflect on these questions in your small groups or personal study:

How does the call to take up our cross and follow Jesus challenge the way we pursue success in our lives?
In what ways can the Wesleyan Quadrilateral—Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience—inform our understanding of true success and fulfillment in life?
How can we practice humility and selflessness in our daily interactions, especially in a culture that often rewards self-promotion?
What does it mean to find our identity in Christ rather than in our achievements, possessions, or status?

This series has been an opportunity for us to engage deeply with our faith and with one another, modeling how we can navigate differences and challenges while staying rooted in the love of Christ. I hope you will join us as we bring this series to a close, and together, seek to live out the Gospel in every aspect of our lives.

See you on Sunday!

Pastor Dedric

9.22.24 FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE TABLE: “Dare to Keep Dreaming”

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 08:00:04 GMT

Luke 2:25-38

Dear Trinity Family and Friends,

I hope that you have enjoyed the earlier messages in our current sermon series, “From Both Sides of the Table.” Meeting with a conversation partner and planning out a message for worship together has been a real change-of-pace for our clergy, and we hope that the results of our efforts, expressed in conversation-style rather than a regular sermon message, has been fruitful for the entire congregation!

I had the pleasure of meeting with Rev. Dr. Charles Gattis in preparation for this week’s conversation, titled “Dare to Keep Dreaming.” During our preliminary meeting, Dr. Gattis and I found much common ground as United Methodist clergy who have each served multiple decades. And yet, as different generations in our own families often do, we found that we held differing views on several important topics. Charles and I will be using the Wesleyan Quadrilateral - Scripture, Reason, Experience and Tradition - to guide our discussion. Check out this link for a refresher on the Quadrilateral.

As you prepare for this week’s conversation, please consider the following discussion questions:

Do you communicate easily with people of different generations than your own? If not, why do you think this is difficult for you?
Make a mental list of major changes in your life over the past ten years. Maybe it’s a short list – but maybe it’s lengthy! Reflect on these changes and how God has moved in your life through them.
Think back on a major success or victory in your life, something that you are especially proud that you achieved. No matter how long ago it was, how could you celebrate that moment in the present with people you care deeply for?
How may the three “planks” of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral - reason, experience and tradition - guide our interpretation of Luke 2 as it relates to our conversations on generational differences and aging?

In the spirit of this sermon series, I encourage you to reach out to someone from a different generation – maybe a family member or co-worker or a neighbor – and ask if they would like to meet you for a conversation over lunch or dinner. During your meeting, you could bring up some of the questions above – and see how well you are listening to the answers of others with different perspectives!

I hope to see you in-person this Sunday for our traditional worship service at 9 am or our contemporary worship service at 10:30 am – or to welcome you online!

In Christ,

Pastor Dale

9.15.24 FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE TABLE: “Judas: Villain or… ?”

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 12:27:44 GMT

John‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭21‬-‭30

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

As we continue our new sermon series, “From Both Sides of the Table,” we will consider the most notorious bad guy of all time, the villain whose name is defined in the dictionary as “one who betrays under the guise of friendship”: JUDAS.

Throughout the ages, Christian tradition has characterized Judas as evil, bad, and wrong – everything we don’t want to be. As such, it makes us easy to demonize him, and everyone we consider to be like him. This Sunday, we will take a closer look at Judas’ scriptural story, focusing particularly on John 13:1-2, 21-30 (CEB), to consider whether or not there might be a different side to Judas.

I’m excited to share that T.C. Miller, one of Trinity’s delegates to Annual Conference and the long-time teacher of the Rooted Sunday School Class, will be my conversation partner for this message. T.C. and I share many things – we are both around the same age, attended a United Methodist college, are married, and have children. However, our careers, life experiences, and thought processes are very different, resulting in us looking at Judas from completely different angles. Without doubt, our conversation promises to be a compelling one!

Just as Pastor Dedric and Becca did, T.C. and I will guide our discussion using the Wesleyan Quadrilateral . This approach roots our exploration in Scripture, while encouraging all the different perspectives to consider from our Tradition, Reason, and Experience. In so doing, we will consider whether grace and forgiveness are possible for Judas. We will also consider whether Judas might be more relatable than we care to admit.

A s we prepare our hearts and minds, I encourage you to reflect on these questions in your small groups or personal study:

In your mind, is Judas a straight out villain? Or is there a possibility he could be something more?
As you read this passage about Judas, what details stand out that you may have never noticed before?
Keeping the Wesleyan Quadrilateral in mind— Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience —what, if any, life experiences have you had that can help you relate to Judas?
Can we consider Judas in a different light, and what does that mean for how we view forgiveness and accountability in our own lives?

I hope you will join us – and invite a friend – as we explore the life of Judas and what it means for the way we see, approach, and relate to others in our own lives today.

See you on Sunday!

Pastor Carrie

9.8.24 FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE TABLE: “Who’s Going to Heaven?”

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 08:00:04 GMT

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

As we kick off our new sermon series, “From Both Sides of the Table,” we will discuss the topic that has sparked countless debates, divided communities, and even strained relationships: “Who’s Going to Heaven?”

This question, rooted in our faith tradition, invites us to explore deeper issues of salvation, grace, and judgment. We will explore Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 (CEB), The Parable of the Sower , which reminds us that our job is to scatter seeds—seeds of love, truth, and hope—wherever we go. It’s not our job to judge who will receive those seeds or how they will grow. That’s the work of the Holy Spirit. Our calling is to be faithful in our planting, trusting God with the results.

I’m excited to share that I have invited our Director of Discipleship, Becca Bibee, as my conversation partner for this first sermon. Becca is a deep-thinker, and I’m looking forward to the insights she will bring to our discussion. We’ll be guided by the Wesleyan Quadrilateral — Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience— as we navigate these discussions. This approach will help us remain rooted in our faith while also being open to what the Spirit is saying through diverse voices.

As we prepare our hearts and minds, I encourage you to reflect on these questions in your small groups or personal study:

What does the Parable of the Sower teach us about the nature of God’s kingdom and our role in it? How does this change the way we approach sharing our faith?
In what ways can the Wesleyan Quadrilateral—Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience—guide us in having difficult conversations about faith and salvation?
How do we balance holding firm to our beliefs while remaining open to listening to and understanding perspectives that differ from our own?
Can we engage in meaningful and respectful relationships with people of different faiths, while holding onto our belief in Jesus Christ as the way to salvation?

I hope you will join us as we explore what it means to live out the Gospel in a world that so desperately needs to see the love of Christ in action.

See you on Sunday!

Pastor Dedric

9.1.24 LET'S BE REAL: “What’s the Point of Prayer?”

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 08:00:02 GMT

Luke 22:39-42, 23:33-34, Romans 8:18-25

Dear Trinity family and friends,

As our “Let’s Be Real” sermon series concludes, we will consider two of the most intense prayers offered by our Lord Jesus: the request for God the Father to lift the burden of crucifixion from the Son ( Luke 22:39-42 (CEB) ) and his intercessory prayer for forgiveness directed towards the people who took his life ( Luke 23:33-34 (CEB) ). We clearly see in these verses the Lord’s struggle between his own will and the will of the Father, and his capacity to love the unlovable even while suffering death.

We will also consider Romans 8:18-25 (CEB) , in which Paul reminds the church that the world we live in is far from perfect, but our good God has plans to make it so - and while we wait on this great work to be accomplished, we experience many frustrations.

Prayer is one of the most commonly practiced spiritual disciplines, and most common elements of Christian worship. Yet many church-goers struggle with finding a fulfilling, life-giving prayer practice. I wanted to share with you a practice of mine, which helps me to get my mind focused and my thoughts centered. I like to begin my prayer times with the very familiar words of the Lord’s Prayer, and after praying a single line, I rephrase the verse to my own personal wording.

I don’t have a single “go-to” rephrase of the prayer - I start fresh each time. And I pray this new, personalized version of the Lord’s Prayer near the beginning of each workweek. Below is an example:

Our Father, who art in heaven - great Parent, so far superior to all life on earth, Creator of all that exists, who resides in heavenly places of splendor;

Hallowed be thy name. - Only your name is holy and above all other names! What a great name for us to praise and worship at all times!

Thy kingdom come, - May your kingdom expand and grow, according to your will, beyond the heavenly places and encompass this planet;

Thy will be done - may your supreme, sovereign will come to pass, over and above the will of human beings. Your will is perfect, while our wills are bent towards selfishness and greed. Make all things happen in accordance with your plan;

On earth as it is in heaven. - we fail to recognize your work in our world. Make this place reflect your glory as the heavens already do.

Give us this day our daily bread. - Take care of all my earthly needs. Give me air for my lungs to breathe. Give me nutrition to support my body. Give me water for hydration. I rarely want for these things in my life, O Lord, but billions of people on this planet suffer for lack. See to their needs as well, great and loving God!

Forgive us our trespasses, - I repent of all my sins, known and unknown. Refresh my soul with your offer of forgiveness.

As we forgive those who trespass against us. - Show me the people in my life that I have failed to forgive. May I see in them, even in the worst of my enemies, people who need forgiveness as much as I do.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. - Rescue me from the foolish diversions that ensnare my attention and pull me away from you. Show me the pitfalls in my life that must be tended for the sake of righteousness. And may evil gain no foothold in my life!

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. - You are the one true King, who reigns over the only kingdom that matters. You hold all power. Only you are worthy of glorification. Reduce our simple human schemes to dust, and reign over this world!

Amen!

I hope that a practice such as this may inspire you in your own prayer life. It can be powerful to take the words of familiar prayers, from both scripture and other sources, and make them your own with your thoughts and phrasing. Give it a try sometime!

I’d like to leave you with some questions to consider before worship this Sunday:

What prayer practices have you attempted before? Which ones seemed to bear fruit in your spiritual life, and which ones did not have the deep impact you desired?
How many ways has God blessed you, whether you asked for the blessing or not?
How does it make you feel when others lift up YOUR name in prayer?

I hope to see you this Sunday in the 9 am traditional service or at the 10:30 am contemporary worship service!

In Christ,

Pastor Dale

8.25.24 LET'S BE REAL: “Relationships Are Hard”

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Matthew 5:38-48, Romans 12:9-21

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

As we continue our series, I am excited to introduce the upcoming sermon entitled “Relationships Are Hard.” This week, we will explore the complexities and challenges of maintaining healthy relationships, drawing wisdom from the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:38-48 (CEB) and the Apostle Paul’s teachings in Romans 12:9-21 (CEB).

As we reflect on these scriptures, we will explore the realities of human relationships—how they can bring both joy and pain, connection and conflict. We will discuss practical ways to embody Christ’s teachings in our daily interactions, even when it is challenging. Through these teachings, we will find that navigating the complexities of relationships is not only possible but also essential to living out our faith.

Here are some questions to consider, as we prepare :

Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 5:38-48 challenge us to love our enemies and forgive those who hurt us. How can we apply this radical love in our daily lives, especially in difficult relationships?
Romans 12:9-21 emphasizes the importance of genuine love and living in harmony with others. What are some practical ways we can embody these teachings in our interactions with family, friends, and even those we find challenging?
Relationships often involve conflict and misunderstandings. How can we approach these situations with a Christ-like attitude, seeking reconciliation and peace rather than retaliation? What role does forgiveness play in maintaining healthy relationships?

I don’t know about you, but I need to learn to love more deeply, forgive more freely, and seek reconciliation and peace in all my relationships. In doing so, I believe we will discover that, even though relationships are hard, they are a crucial part of our spiritual growth and witness.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

8.18.24 LET'S BE REAL: “Is the Bible Really Useful?”

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 08:00:02 GMT

Hebrews 4:11-16, 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

I don’t know about you, but I am finding our Let’s Be Real series extremely refreshing as we spiritually wrestle God with these challenging questions and heavy emotions. I am so grateful that God is not only our Almighty, glorious, and powerful Creator, but also our understanding, relatable, and loving Redeemer and our wise, steady, and trustworthy Guide. A God who meets me in the trenches, is patient with my deepest questions, compassionate to darkest struggles, and faithful to offer Light and a pathway forward into greater peace, fulfillment, and good.

As we continue our series, this Sunday we’re going to wrestle with the question we’ve all asked at some point or another: “Is the Bible Really Useful?” How can a book that was compiled thousands of years ago by people in ancient and less advanced civilizations actually be relevant to my life today? How can a book that includes inaccurate scientific facts and words that have inspired such hatred and evil in humanity’s history be trustworthy for my life today?

As we wrestle, we will turn to Hebrews 4:11-16 and 2 Timothy 3:14-17 to consider what the Bible truly is, what God intends for us to do (& not do) with it, and how reframing our expectations of the Bible can free us to encounter the Living God through its pages.

Here are some questions to consider, as we prepare:

What are you expecting when you read the Bible?

Based on your experience of interaction with the Bible, what analogy best represents how you relate to the Bible?

Consider a time when the Bible - through personal devotional reading or through the preached Word - came alive for you. What was the passage? What did the passage say to you and/or your life circumstances? How would you describe God’s presence in that moment?

Our faith isn't about having all the answers neatly tied up but about engaging with God in the complexity of life and Scripture. As we approach the upcoming discussion, I encourage you to bring your honest doubts, your deepest questions, and your willingness to see the Bible in a new light. Together, let's seek to understand how this ancient text continues to speak truth, offer hope, and reveal the heart of God to us today.

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

8.11.24 LET'S BE REAL: “Faith in the Midst of Anger”

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 08:00:05 GMT

Job 3:1-10, Psalm 13

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

This Sunday, we begin a new sermon, “Let’s Be Real,” where we will explore the raw and unfiltered realities of our daily lives, acknowledging that even as followers of Christ, we are real people facing real problems and real issues.

To kick-off the series, I will be preaching “Faith in the Midst of Anger” based on Job 3:1-10 (CEB). Job, a man who endured unimaginable suffering, expresses his anguish openly, cursing the day of his birth. Similarly, the Psalmist in Psalm 13 (CEB) cries out in frustration, feeling abandoned and forgotten by God. Both passages remind us that anger, disappointment, doubt, confusion, and fear are natural responses to the difficulties we face. We will discover that expressing our emotions is not a sign of weakness but a vital part of our spiritual growth. In the midst of our anger and pain, God invites us to come as we are, to be real, and to seek guidance.

As we prepare our hearts for this message, I encourage you to reflect on your own experiences of anger and frustration. Here are a few questions for reflection :

When have you experienced anger or frustration in your life? How did you express those feelings? Were you able to bring them to God in prayer?
Why do you think it is important to be authentic in our relationship with God? How can we cultivate a practice of vulnerability in our faith journey?
How can we hold onto faith when we are overwhelmed by negative emotions? What role does community play in supporting us during these times of anger and doubt?

Let’s begin this journey together, embracing our authentic selves and seeking God’s presence in every emotion and experience. In a world that often pressures us to hide our true feelings, we find comfort in knowing that our God is not only aware of our struggles but also invites us to bring them to Him.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

8.4.24: “Created for a Purpose” – Discovery

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 20:29:43 GMT

Joshua 1:1-9, Ephesians 2:8-10 (CEB)

Dear Trinity Family and Friends:

I am thrilled to share with you the theme for our upcoming Discovery Weekend, a special event where our Middle Schoolers, guided by our High Schoolers, dive deep into the journey of faith. This weekend is a unique opportunity for our youth to explore the paths walked by different figures in the Bible, the journey of Jesus, and reflect on their own life journeys.

This Sunday, as part of our Discovery Weekend, I have the honor of preaching the sermon entitled “Created for a Purpose” during our 9 am Traditional Service. Our Director of Youth Ministry, Amber Cloud, will preach in the 10:30 am Contemporary Service. These messages are not just for our youth but for our entire congregation. It serves as a powerful reminder that each one of us is intricately designed by God for a distinct and meaningful purpose.

My primary scripture for the sermon is Joshua 1:1-9 (CEB). In this passage, we find Joshua at the threshold of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land after the death of Moses. God’s words to Joshua are filled with encouragement and assurance: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This powerful command reminds us that God equips us with strength and courage for the journeys we undertake, affirming that we are never alone.

Additionally, we will reflect on Ephesians 2:8-10 (CEB) (this is the primary scripture for the Contemporary Service). The Apostle Paul emphasizes that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our works, so that no one can boast. This passage focuses on the fact that our purpose is rooted in God’s grace and is woven into the very fabric of our being.

Here are three questions that can help guide conversations for this Sunday:

How do you see God’s call to be “strong and courageous” in your own life?
What does it mean to you that we are “God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works”?
Reflecting on your current journey, what are some “good works” you believe God has prepared specifically for you to do?

I invite each of you to join us and be a part of this Sunday. Let us come together to support our young people, to be inspired by their leadership, and to rediscover our own purposes in God’s plan for the world.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

7.28.24 WHO WE ARE: "In Context” - Our Scriptural Process

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 17:57:29 GMT

Acts 11:1-18, Matthew 22:34-40

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

As we continue our sermon series “Who We Are,” we come to a very distinctive aspect of our identity as United Methodists: our scriptural process. This week, using Acts 11:1-18 (CEB) and Matthew 22:34-40 (CEB) as our guide, we will explore together how we as United Methodists approach scripture and why we approach it the way we do.

As United Methodists, we believe the Holy Spirit continually guides God’s people into deeper understanding and interpretation of God’s word. As we faithfully and fervently study the scriptures, the Holy Spirit uses our collective tradition, experience, and reason to lead us closer to God’s Truth. This approach of our Methodist heritage has come to be known as the Wesleyan Quadrilateral.

For United Methodists, Scripture is considered the primary source and standard for Christian doctrine. Tradition considers the development and growth of the faith through past centuries and in many nations and cultures. Experience is the individual's understanding and appropriating of the faith in the light of his or her own life. Through reason, the individual Christian brings to bear on the Christian faith discerning and cogent thought. These four elements taken together bring the individual Christian to a mature and fulfilling understanding of the Christian faith and the required response of worship and service.

As you prepare for Sunday worship, read Acts 11:1-18 and consider the following questions:

What tradition and interpretation of the Law (scripture) is called into question within this passage?
What experience does Peter have that changes his understanding?
How do the leaders of the early church respond to Peter’s testimony about the movement of the Holy Spirit?
Where do you see the Wesleyan Quadrilateral at work in this passage?

As we reflect on these passages and the distinctive aspects of our United Methodist identity, let's embrace the journey of discovery and growth the Holy Spirit invites us into. May our study and contemplation deepen our faith, enrich our understanding, and inspire us to live out God’s Truth in our daily lives.

I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday at 9 am Traditional or 10:30 am Contemporary. See you there!

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

7.21.24 WHO WE ARE: "In Practice” - Our Missional Purpose

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Matthew 25:31-40, Micah 6:6-8

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

As we continue our sermon series “Who We Are,” we come to an important aspect of our identity as United Methodists: our missional purpose . This week, we will explore what it means to live out our faith in practical ways, guided by the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:31-40 (CEB) and the prophet Micah in Micah 6:6-8 (CEB).

In Matthew, Jesus paints a vivid picture of the final judgment, where the Son of Man separates the sheep from the goats. The criteria for this separation are not based on religious rituals or doctrinal correctness but on how we treat “the least of these.” Jesus identifies himself with those who are hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, and imprisoned. He tells us that our treatment of these individuals is equivalent to our treatment of Him.

As United Methodists, we believe that our faith must be active and transformative, extending beyond the walls of the church into the world. Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This mission compels us to engage in ministries of compassion, justice, and mercy. This calling is not just an abstract concept but a concrete practice. It involves recognizing and responding to the needs around us, whether in our local community or globally.

Think about these questions this week:

How do we, as a church and individuals, currently engage in acts of compassion, justice, and mercy in our community?
In what ways can we better identify and respond to “the least of these” in our community?
What obstacles do we face in fulfilling our missional purpose, and how can we overcome them?

As we prepare for this week’s sermon, let us prayerfully consider how we can more faithfully embody the teachings of Jesus. May we be inspired to live out our missional purpose with greater passion and commitment, transforming our faith into action that brings hope and healing to the world.

I look forward to seeing you at either 9 am Traditional or 10:30 Contemporary this Sunday.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

7.14.24 WHO WE ARE: "By Connection” - Our Relational Framework

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Mark 6:7-13, Titus 1:1-9

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

Continuing our exploration of “Who We Are” as United Methodists, we will consider our relational framework during this Sunday’s worship services. What does it mean for Methodists to be “in connection,” and why does it matter for us today?

The first scripture we will consider is Mark 6:7-13 (CEB), in which Jesus launched the Twelve Disciples on a mission that imitated Jesus’ own mission on earth. And our primary scripture for the day will be Titus 1:1-9 (CEB), where Paul gives a definition of elder s who are to work as pastors over each church, and supervisors who commission and send the elders forth – a model that has inspired the United Methodist Church to elect bishops who send forth elders, deacons and local pastors to the various ministry needs of our churches and communities.

To better grasp the connectional nature of the United Methodist Church, I wanted to share some graphics with you, which may help illustrate the United Methodist connection:

Our first image gives helpful, brief definitions of various United Methodist agencies, and shows how they work together. If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between a “jurisdictional” conference and a “general” conference, then this graphic is for you!

Our second image shows the boundaries of the various regions we call “annual conferences.” Each annual conference is led by one bishop (although in some cases a bishop may lead more than one annual conference) and much of the day-to-day ministry of our local churches is supported by our annual conference connections.

[Special thanks to the Desert Southwest Conference for sharing the above graphics.]

I frequently give thanks to God for the work of the United Methodist Church in making disciples for Jesus Christ to transform the world! As we consider the importance of the United Methodist connection this Sunday, let’s ponder these questions:

How has our appointment system, in which our elected bishop sends appointed pastors to Trinity UMC, blessed the ministry of this local congregation?
How has our connectional system enabled members of Trinity to participate in national and even global ministries of the United Methodist Church?
Can the deep roots of our Methodist theological traditions and practices help us reach the modern world in our own local context?

I hope to worship with you in person at our 9 am traditional service, our 10:30 am contemporary service, or through our livestream services this Sunday!

In Christ,

Pastor Dale

7.7.24 WHO WE ARE: “By Grace” – Our Theological Framework

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Luke 15:11-24, Ephesians 2:8-10

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

I look forward to beginning our sermon series entitled “Who We Are.” Over the coming weeks, we will explore the beliefs, actions, and purposes that define us as United Methodists. Our journey begins with a fundamental aspect of our faith: grace . We will examine the Parable of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15:11-24 (CEB) to illustrate the three-fold nature of grace: prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying . Additionally, we will reflect on Ephesians 2:8-10 (CEB), which describes the essence of salvation as God’s work in us and for us.

As we prepare for this week’s sermon, I invite you to reflect on the following questions:

How have you experienced grace in your own life? Can you recall moments when you felt God’s presence even before you fully understood or accepted it?
How has the experience of forgiveness and reconciliation impacted your relationship with God and others?
What practices or habits help you grow in holiness and live out your faith more fully?

I am excited to explore the meaning of grace with you and deepen our understanding of who we are. Join us for worship this Sunday at 9 am Traditional or 10:30 am Contemporary. I look forward to seeing you there.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

6.30.24 BY THE LIGHT: "Illuminated by the Light"

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Luke 11:33-36, Revelation 21:22-25

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

As we approach the conclusion of our sermon series, “By The Light,” I am thrilled to preach our final sermon, “Illuminated By the Light,” based on Luke 11:33-36 (CEB) . This series has taken us on a journey, exploring how God’s light profoundly impacts and shapes our lives. Our final sermon will draw us deeper into understanding how we can live as reflections of this light in our daily lives.

In Luke 11, Jesus speaks about the importance of having a healthy eye that allows light to fill our bodies. He says, “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness.” This passage challenges us to consider the sources of light in our lives and how they affect our spiritual well-being.

We will also read Revelation 21:22-25 (CEB) , where John describes the New Jerusalem, a city illuminated not by the sun or moon, but by the glory of God and the Lamb. This divine light signifies the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to dwell among his people, providing them with eternal light and life. As we reflect on these scriptures, we are invited to think about the eternal and present significance of living in God’s light.

As we prepare for worship this week, think on these questions:

How do the sources of light you allow into your life impact your spiritual health and well-being?
In what ways can you ensure that your “eyes” remain healthy and focused on Christ, allowing his light to fill your life?
Revelation 21 speaks of a city illuminated by God’s glory. How can we, as a faith community, reflect this divine light in our interactions and outreach efforts?

May we approach this final sermon with hearts open to the transformative power of God’s light, allowing it to shine through us and guide our steps as we walk together on this journey of faith.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

6.23.24 BY THE LIGHT: "Transformed by the Light"

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 08:00:01 GMT

Acts 9:1-10a, 17-18, Psalm 119:105-112

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

I pray you are enjoying our current sermon series, “By The Light.” Over the last few weeks, we have been exploring the theme of light throughout the Judeo-Christian Tradition. I am thrilled to preach this week’s sermon entitled “Transformed By the Light,” based on Acts 9:1-10a, 17-18 (CEB) . This powerful passage tells the story of Saul’s dramatic encounter with the light of Christ on the road to Damascus, a moment that changed his life and the course of Christian history.

In Acts 9, we witness Saul, a persecutor of Christians, encountering a blinding light from heaven. This divine light leaves him physically blind but spiritually awakened. Jesus’ question, “Saul, Saul, why are you harassing me?” marks the beginning of Saul’s journey from darkness to light. His following healing and baptism by Ananias highlight the redemptive power of God’s grace and the transformative impact of being illuminated by his light.

We will also reflect on Psalm 119:105-112 (CEB ) , where the psalmist declares, “Your word is a lamp before my feet and a light for my journey.” This beautiful passage reminds us that God’s word illuminates our path, guiding us through life’s challenges and leading us into a deeper relationship with him.

To prepare our hearts and minds for this week, I invite you to think on these questions:

Reflect on a moment in your life when you experienced a profound change. How did God’s light play a role in that transformation?
In what ways can we be more receptive to the light of Christ in our daily lives, especially when facing personal struggles or doubts?
Psalm 119 speaks of God’s word as a guiding light. How can we integrate the wisdom and guidance of Scripture more fully into our decision-making and daily actions?

As we gather this Sunday, let us come ready to be illuminated and transformed by the light of Christ. May we be inspired to live as reflections of his light, bringing hope and grace to those around us.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

6.16.24 BY THE LIGHT: "Redeemed by the Light"

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 08:00:01 GMT

John 18:1-12, Psalm 27

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

This week, we continue our journey through our current sermon series, “By The Light,” exploring the profound and transformative influence of God’s light in our lives. I am excited to preach this week’s sermon entitled “Redeemed By the Light” based on John 8:1-12 (CEB) . This passage not only sheds light on the powerful act of forgiveness but also illuminates the transformative power of God’s grace in our lives.

In John 8, we encounter the story of a woman caught in adultery, facing condemnation and possible death. Yet, in this moment of utter despair, Jesus shines his light of compassion and mercy, saying, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on, don’t sin anymore.” This declaration is a beacon of hope, reminding us that no matter how deep our darkness, the light of Christ can redeem and transform us. Jesus, the Light of the World, brings hope and redemption to even the darkest corners of our lives.

We will also reflect on Psalm 27 (CEB) , where David proclaims, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—should I fear anyone?” These verses reaffirm that with God as our light, we are guided, protected, and uplifted, even in times of trouble.

To prepare our hearts and minds this week, I invite you to join me in thinking on the following questions:

Reflect on a time when you felt surrounded by darkness. How did the presence of God’s light make a difference in that situation?
In what ways can we, as followers of Christ, shine his light in our community, especially to those who feel condemned or marginalized?
Psalm 27 speaks of seeking God’s presence and finding safety and joy in him. How can we cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s presence in our daily lives?

As we gather this Sunday, let us come with open hearts, ready to be redeemed and renewed by the light of Christ. May we be inspired to carry this light into the world, offering hope and grace to all we encounter.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

6.9.24 BY THE LIGHT: "Led by the Light"

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Exodus 13:17-22, Acts 9:10-18

Dear Trinity Family and Friends,

I am so excited about this sermon series! Encountering God as Light has always been one of my foundational experiences. Would you believe that my first word as a child was “light”? Not mama or dada or dog, but light. I cannot help but believe that was a divine foreshadowing into my calling and my relationship with God.

When I was in seminary, I took a class entitled Images of God. We studied various cultures around the world and how those cultures influenced interpretations of scripture and ultimately our images of God. Our final project was to create our own artistic image of God. After prayer and discernment, I created my piece. If you ever visit my office, be sure to ask me to show it to you and explain all the elements. But for today's purposes, as I considered what I see when I interact with God, the center of my piece was a flame, intended to represent God as light. Light that illumines the path. Light that keeps you warm. Light that refines metal’s impurities. Light that leads, guides, and directs my life.

This Sunday, we will look at two scriptures that emphasize being led by the light of God, first as we follow the Israelites through the wilderness in Exodus 13:17-22 , and second, Acts 9:10-18 as we consider how faithfulness to the day-to-day light of God’s guidance can lead us to be part of world-changing transformation.

I look forward to worshiping with you in the Sanctuary for 9 am Traditional Worship, in the New Room for 10:30 am Contemporary Worship, and/or online as we seek to be led by God’s light together!

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Carrie

6.2.24 BY THE LIGHT: "Called by the Light"

Mon, 27 May 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Genesis 1:1-5, Matthew 4:18-22

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

I’m excited to be sharing the first message in our new sermon series, “By the Light,” this Sunday June 2 in both worship services. During this series, we will hear a great deal about how God uses light to transform, change and influence the lives of the faithful.

Back during the month of April, I was asked to lead the devotion for the men’s prayer breakfast group that meets on Wednesdays at 8 am. I was inspired to talk about calling – what is a call, how do we receive it, and does it still happen today?

I emailed several pastor friends that I know, most of whom serve in the Northeast District of the North Alabama Conference of the UMC. I asked them to share their calling stories with me, so that I could share those stories with the men’s group and discuss the different ways that God has called us into ministry in His name.

I was impressed by the differences in the calling stories that I received, their uniqueness and individuality. Personally, I happened to experience a very dramatic “lightning bolt from heaven” call – but most United Methodist pastors have not. In most cases, they slowly realized their purpose as God worked on their hearts over many years.

I truly believe that God places calling & purpose on every Christian at our baptism (Ephesians 4:1-6). And a significant part of growing in discipleship is accepting His call in our lives.

This Sunday, we will hear about being “Called By the Light.” God used His mighty voice to call forth light from the darkness in Genesis 1:1-5 , and that same voice called out to simple fishermen and commissioned them to become Jesus’ first disciples in Matthew 4:18-22 . And that same voice calls to us today!

Some questions to consider before Sunday’s worship services:

Do you believe that God still speaks to us today?
Has God placed a definite calling upon your life?
Is it possible that God has called you to ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church?

I hope to see you this coming Sunday as the Light calls out to each one of us!

In Christ,

Pastor Dale

5.26.24: “Are You Listening?”

Mon, 20 May 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Isaiah 6:1-8, 2 Corinthians 5:13-17

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

In a world filled with noise and distraction, the art of listening seems to be fading away. This week we will focus on Isaiah 6:1-8 (CEB) and 2 Corinthians 5:13-17 (CEB) , where we will find a profound call to listen—not just with our ears, but with our hearts and spirits. Isaiah recounts his awe-inspiring vision in the presence of the Almighty. In the midst of this divine encounter, Isaiah hears the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah responds with unwavering obedience, saying, “Here I am; send me!” This passage challenges us to consider how attentive we are to God’s voice and how readily we respond to his call.

As followers of Christ, we are called to live not for ourselves but for Jesus, who died and was raised for us. This transformation begins with listening—listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, listening to the cries of the broken and oppressed, and listening to the heartbeat of God for our lives and the world around us.

As we prepare for worship this week, here are some questions for reflection:

In what ways do you prioritize listening to God’s voice in your daily life? Are there any obstacles that hinder your ability to hear God clearly?
Reflect on a time when you felt a clear prompting from the Holy Spirit. How did you respond? What did you learn from that experience?
How does the concept of being “new creations” in Christ, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:17, shape your understanding of listening and obedience in your Christian journey?

As we gather together this Sunday, let us come with open hearts and attentive ears, ready to encounter the living God. May we echo the words of Isaiah, saying, “Here I am; send me!” May our lives be transformed as we embrace the call to listen and respond to the voice of our loving Creator.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

5.19.24 “The Gift of the Holy Spirit”

Mon, 13 May 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Acts 2:1-4, Romans 12:4-7

Trinity Family & Friends:

This Sunday is the Day of Pentecost in which Christians remember the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the first followers of Jesus, as described in Acts Chapter 2 . This Sunday I will be preaching a sermon entitled “The Gifts of the Holy Spirit,” which will focus on Romans 12:4-17 . This passage reminds us of the richness of God’s grace bestowed upon each believer, empowering us with unique gifts for the edification of the Body of Christ and the transformation of the world.

In the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans, he paints a beautiful picture of the diverse yet unified body of believers. Just as a human body consists of different members with distinct functions, so too does the body of Christ. Each member, baptized by water and Spirit, is gifted in a unique way, contributing to the functioning of the body. This truth underscores the beauty of diversity within unity, a concept central to the Christian faith.

As we gather to reflect on this passage, we are called to discern and embrace our individual gifts with humility and gratitude. Through prayerful discernment and self-reflection, we uncover the talents and abilities bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit. Whether it be the gift of teaching, hospitality, encouragement, or leadership, each gift is essential for the flourishing of the Church and the fulfillment of God's kingdom purposes.

This Sunday, we will also recognize and celebrate our graduating high school seniors in both the 9 am Traditional and 10:30 am Contemporary service. Their presence reminds us that the body of Christ is continually replenished with new energy and enthusiasm, ready to embark on the next chapter of their lives equipped with the gifts of the Spirit.

As we prepare our hearts for Pentecost Sunday, let us reflect on the following:

What gifts has the Holy Spirit entrusted to me, and how can I use them for the glory of God and the benefit of others?
In what ways can I cultivate a spirit of discernment and prayer to better understand and develop my gifts?
How can I actively participate in fostering unity within the body of Christ, recognizing and valuing the diverse gifts of my fellow believers?

On this Pentecost Sunday, may we be renewed and empowered by the Holy Spirit, as we joyfully embrace our gifts and join in the transformative work of God’s kingdom.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

5.12.24: “A Legacy of Leadership” - United Women in Faith Sunday

Mon, 06 May 2024 08:00:01 GMT

Judges 4:1-16, Romans 16:1-16

Hi Trinity Family & Friends,

This Sunday, I am very excited to lead our congregation in worship and the celebration of United Women in Faith and all women who have nurtured and impacted our lives. To do so, we will dive into scriptures that highlight the legacy of women’s leadership throughout God’s story. We will consider the unique and strong leadership of Deborah in Judges 4:1-16 as well as the prominence and plentitude of female leadership in the early church as noted in Romans 16:1-16 .

As you prepare for this special time of worship, consider these questions:

Who is your favorite woman in scripture? Why?
What woman has impacted your life the most? How so?
Why is the leadership of women so important to the body of Christ?
How have you witnessed the church more enriched by the leadership of women?

In addition to our 9 am Traditional and 10:30 am Contemporary worship services, we will also celebrate women with Muffins for Mom and special photo booths in both lobby spaces before and after worship. I look forward to worshipping God and celebrating women’s leadership with you this Sunday!

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

5.5.24 “We Are Called Further”

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 13:03:56 GMT

Ephesians 4:1-7, 1 John 4:7-12 (CEB)

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

In 1956, a group of faithful Christians felt the need to form a church in the rapidly growing South Huntsville area. 68 years later, Trinity United Methodist Church is a vibrant community of faith called to serve this present age. In our journey of faith, there are moments when we are called to go further, to delve deeper into the purpose that God has laid out for us. It’s in these moments that we truly begin to understand the magnitude of our calling as individuals and as a faith community.

Expounding on Trinity’s 50th Anniversary Book, We Are Called , our sermon this week will be entitled: “We Are Called Further.” We will focus on Ephesians 4:1-7 (CEB), in which the Apostle Paul begins by urging us to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which we have been called. What does this mean for us? It means living lives that reflect the love and grace that God has bestowed upon us. It means embodying the radical love of Christ in all that we do, from the way we interact with one another to the way we engage with the world around us.

Here are a few questions for reflection:

How has your understanding of loving others as Jesus loves us challenged or changed the way you interact with our church community and beyond?
In what ways can you more fully live out the calling to which you have been called, as described in Ephesians 4:1-7? Reflect on the aspects of unity, peace, and humility.
As we look forward to the future of Trinity United Methodist Church, what specific actions or commitments are you inspired to take to help our community to grow in faith and love?

I invite each of us to reflect on our collective mission as a church and to recommit ourselves to our vision: “To be a Christian community inviting all to gather in love, grow in faith, and give back in joyful service.” At the heart of this vision lies a profound truth: each of us is called for a purpose. As we reflect on our call, let us move forward in faith. For we are called for such a time as this, entrusted with the sacred task of advancing God’s kingdom here on earth.

Can’t wait to see you Sunday!

Pastor Dedric

4.28.24 Reach, Love, Enrich, and Serve Huntsville: "Serve Huntsville" Combined Service - 10 am Sanctuary

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 14:24:28 GMT

John 13:1-19, Philippians 2:3-8 (CEB)

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

This Easter season, God led Trinity to turn our hearts outward to Reach, Love, and Enrich our Huntsville community. This Sunday, that call will culminate in a Day of Service following 10 am Combined Worship in the Sanctuary and a fellowship meal in the Gym . I am grateful for the individuals, families, and small groups who are planning to serve together. It isn’t too late to find your spot to serve: just click here .

In preparation for Sunday’s worship and service, I invite you to read our scriptures of the day: John 13:4-17 and Philippians 2:3-8 . Both scriptures highlight definitive moments in Jesus’ ministry: washing the disciples' feet and sacrificing his life on the cross. In both instances, Jesus’ example of servant leadership stands out as a powerful and transformative model for us as believers. In his earthly ministry, Jesus taught us that greatness in the Kingdom of God is not measured by worldly standards, but instead by having hearts and lives willing to serve others. Likewise, Jesus calls us to follow His example, to love and serve one another with the same selfless and compassionate heart.

As you consider Jesus’ example and command:

What characteristics did Jesus have that prepared his heart for willing and sacrificial service to others?
Who is someone you’ve known personally who has exemplified a servant’s heart like Jesus? What about their life stands out to you?
Take a moment to reflect on your own heart. What do you see? Ask God to show you what next step is needed for your heart to become more of a servant’s heart like Jesus.

As followers of Christ, our call is to continuously cultivate a servant’s heart within ourselves and our congregation. We do this by reflecting the love and humility of Jesus in our daily lives as well as in the way our congregation is present in and for our community. By embracing a servant’s heart, we not only honor Jesus’ example but also participate in His mission to bring hope, healing, and salvation to a world in need.

I can’t wait to worship and serve with you this Sunday!

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

4.21.24 Reach, Love, Enrich, and Serve Huntsville: "Enrich Huntsville"

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 08:00:04 GMT

Luke 13:18-21, Jeremiah 29:4-7, 11 (CEB)

Hey Trinity!

Have you ever thought about what enriching means? When I think of it, I think of the concept of our foods. Enriched foods have nutrients added back to them after processing, such as vitamins and minerals. The goal is to reduce nutrient deficiencies in the general population. Oats, breakfast cereals, bread, eggs, fruit juice, milk, and salt are some examples of enriched foods that we eat daily where nutrients have been intentionally added back in for our health and well-being.

As you look around the realities of our world, both near and far, it’s clear that some of our processes of life have removed some key communal nutrients that keep us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually well. What would it be like if we, members of the Body of Christ in Huntsville, Alabama, intentionally added some metaphorical nutrients back into our community? As the Parable of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast found in Luke 13:18-21 reminds us, God uses small acts to make a big impact. Before we talk about this, here are a few things to think about:

What are some “nutrients” that have been removed from our culture in the hustle and bustle of our lives?
What places in Huntsville do you see a need for enrichment?
What small things do you have to offer these areas? How might God multiply them?
As a member of the Kingdom of God, what responsibilities do you have for your community? How can you live those responsibilities out?

As God reminds us in Jeremiah 29:4-7, 11 , we do not have a choice to be citizens of our own cities, we just are. We do have a choice to be a citizen who enriches the lives of those around us or a citizen who hides the light under a bushel. Which one is God calling you to be?

4.14.24 Reach, Love, Enrich, and Serve Huntsville: "Love Huntsville"

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Luke 19:1-10, Matthew 22:34-40 (CEB)

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

This coming Sunday, I am eager to share with you a message entitled “ Love Huntsville ,” inspired by Luke 19:1-10 (CEB). We will also focus on Matthew 22:34-40 (CEB), which centers our hearts and minds on the central theme that resonates deeply within the teachings of Christ: the transformative power of love.

In the story of Zacchaeus, we see Jesus model the essence of divine love—seeking out, engaging, and transforming lives through genuine relationships. Similarly, in Matthew, we are reminded of the greatest commandments. I truly believe that loving others is not a passive act, but it requires us to actively build relationships, stepping beyond our comfort zones to embrace those whom God is calling us to reach with love and grace.

As we prepare our hearts for this message, I invite you to reflect on the following questions :

How can stepping out of our “bubbles” and engaging with others challenge and enrich our understanding of love?
In what ways can we actively seek to build relationships with those outside our immediate circle, following the example of Jesus with Zacchaeus?
What are some practical steps we can take to initiate connections that might seem uncomfortable at first but have the potential to reveal the depth of God’s love?
How does the commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves inspire us to view relationship-building as a form of worship?

“Love Huntsville” is not just a sermon title—it’s a call to action, a challenge to live out the gospel in our everyday interactions. By embracing this message, we commit to being agents of change in our community, reflecting the heart of God through our willingness to connect, serve, and love.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

New Sermon Series: “Reach, Love, Enrich, and Serve Huntsville”

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 21:25:36 GMT

Dear Trinity Family and Friends:

I am still filled with the joy of the resurrection and excited to announce our new sermon series entitled “Reach, Love, Enrich, and Serve Huntsville,” inspired by Matthew 28:19 (CEB) , “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” By focusing on reaching out, loving unconditionally, enriching the lives of others, and serving our community, we endeavor to make Huntsville a reflection of the Kingdom of God. This series is not just about personal growth, but it’s a call to collective action - a vision to see our city transformed by the grace and truth of the Gospel.

Each week, we will focus on the following in worship:

April 7: “Reach Huntsville” (Holy Communion)

Acts 1:6-11 (CEB)

Matthew 28:16-20 (CEB)

April 14: “Love Huntsville”

Luke 19:1-10 (CEB)

Matthew 22:34-40 (CEB)

April 21: “Enrich Huntsville”

Luke 13:18-21(CEB)

Jeremiah 29:4-7, 11 (CEB)

April 28: “Serve Huntsville” (10 am Combined Service - Sanctuary)

John 13:1-19 (CEB)

Philippians 2:3-8 (CEB)

Discussion Guide for Small Groups and Sunday School Classes

To deepen our understanding and commitment to serving in the community, we have prepared a special Trinity Loves Huntsville Discussion Guide for our small groups and Sunday School classes. It includes Biblical teachings on service, discussion questions, and actionable steps for groups to engage in community service projects together.

Invitation to Pray for Huntsville Dinner & Worship Night

On Sunday, April 14th, at 5:00 p.m. we will host a “Pray for Huntsville Dinner” in Wesley Hall. This gathering will be a powerful time of fellowship, prayer, and envisioning the impact we can make in our community. It’s an opportunity for us to come together, break bread, and collectively seek God’s guidance and blessing for Huntsville. We will pray for the welfare of our city, its leaders, and the many individuals and families who call it home. This dinner is not just a meal, but it’s a declaration of our commitment to see Huntsville thrive through our prayers and actions. To help us coordinate this meaningful gathering, please secure your spot by registering HERE .

Combined Service, Lunch, and Day of Service

On Sunday, April 28th following our Combined Service at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary and lunch in the gym, we will embody the message of this series in a Day of Service. I invite you to mark your calendars and join us as we engage in various service projects throughout Huntsville. Please register HERE to select a project that matches your passion and get involved.

This sermon series will be a celebration of our commitment to reach, love, enrich, and serve—bringing to life the essence of our beliefs through our actions.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

4.7.24 Reach, Love, Enrich, and Serve Huntsville: "Reach Huntsville"

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 08:00:04 GMT

Acts 1:6-11, Matthew 28:16-20 (CEB)

REACH

verb - to stretch out an arm to touch or grasp something; or to arrive at a destination. noun - the range of application or influence.

All these uses of the word reach imply going beyond what is comfortable or easy: stretching the muscles of your arm, traveling to a distant location, or spreading influence past your own boundaries to nearby objects.

In both our scripture verses for this Sunday, we do not see Jesus telling the disciples that they have earned a place of honor, or that they can kick back and enjoy themselves now that Christ has accomplished the great work on the cross, or instructing them to make their lives easier. Instead, we see Jesus telling them the opposite! The mission of Jesus of Nazareth, Savior of the World, had just begun - and the mission of His disciples is to get up, go beyond their comfort zones, and reach out beyond the limits of the early church to spread the Good News!

As we prepare ourselves for worship, making ourselves available to the Holy Spirit through prayer, let’s consider these questions:

In what ways have I reached with my arms around my friends or neighbors near me who are hurting right now?
What are some of my spiritual goals in my walk with Christ, and have I reached any new places recently?
God has placed me in specific places at specific times to minister to specific people. How has God used me to extend His reach - His influence - to those around me?

This Sunday - the first Sunday following our Easter celebration - let’s experience the Great Commission in new and fresh ways. Are you ready to reach out to our city with the Good News of Jesus Christ?

In His Name,

Pastor Dale

3.31.24 Signs & Wonders: “The Endless Miracle”

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 08:00:01 GMT

Matthew 28:1-10, Romans 8:31-39 (CEB)

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

This week, as we conclude our sermon series, “Signs and Wonders,” we turn our focus to the most pivotal event in Christian faith—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Our upcoming sermon, entitled “The Endless Miracle,” based on Matthew 28:1-10 (CEB) is a reminder that the resurrection is not merely a historical event but a vibrant, living testimony of God’s miraculous power and unfailing love. It serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the continuous, amazing, and wonderful work of God in the world and in our lives. We will also read Romans 8:31-39 (CEB), which emphasizes that nothing can separate us from God’s love, highlighting the strength and eternal nature of God’s love for us.

As we prepare our hearts to celebrate Easter, I encourage you to reflect on these questions:

How does the resurrection of Jesus influence your understanding of God’s power and love in your daily life?
In what ways have you experienced the “endless miracle” of Christ’s resurrection in your personal journey of faith?
How can the assurance of Romans 8:31-39 (CEB) impact the way you face challenges and uncertainties?

Let us rejoice in the endless miracle of the resurrection, inviting others to witness the living testimony of God’s power and love. We have three worship services to choose from: our 7 am Sonrise Service (led by our Trinity Youth) with Holy Communion, our 9 am Traditional Service, and our 10:30 am Contemporary Service. Each service offers a unique way to encounter God and celebrate the miracle of Easter together.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

3.24.24 Signs & Wonders: “The Miracle Question”

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 08:00:01 GMT

John 11:27-44; I Corinthians 15:51-55 (NRSV)

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

As we approach this Palm Sunday, we anticipate celebrating together in a special way. Both our 9 am Traditional and 10:30 am Contemporary services will feature a children’s procession, symbolizing Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This day sets the stage for Holy Week, leading us into a deeper reflection of Jesus’ journey to the cross and his ultimate victory over death.

This week’s sermon, entitled “The Miracle Question,” draws us into the heart of John 11:27-44 (NRSV), where we encounter Jesus in a transformative moment with Martha. After revealing himself as “the resurrection and the life,” Jesus poses a profound question to Martha, “Do you believe this?” This question is not just for Martha, but it echoes through the ages to each of us, calling us to reflect on our own faith in Jesus’ power over death and his promise of eternal life.

We will also read 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 (NRSV), where Paul speaks about victory over death through our Lord Jesus Christ, reinforcing the theme of resurrection and the transformative power of faith in Jesus.

As we prepare our hearts for this message, I encourage you to reflect on these questions:

What does believing in Jesus as “the resurrection and the life” mean to you personally? Reflect on how this belief shapes your understanding of life, death, and the promise of eternity.
How does Jesus’ question to Martha, “Do you believe this?” challenge or affirm your current faith journey?
In what ways can the assurance of victory over death impact your daily living and interactions with others?

Palm Sunday is not only a celebration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem but also a reminder of the journey he undertook for our salvation. Let us come together, in anticipation and reflection, as we explore “The Miracle Question” and prepare our hearts for the profound journey of Holy Week. May this time of preparation draw you closer to the heart of God, as we seek to answer Jesus’ question with a resounding “Yes, I believe.”

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

3.17.24 Signs & Wonders: “A Simple Touch or Two”

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 08:00:01 GMT

Mark 8:22-26, Numbers 27:18-23 (CEB)

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

We are now four weeks deep into the holy season of Lent, celebrated across the globe and in so many different branches of the great Christian faith “tree”! Let’s pause for just a moment to thank God for what He has done in your life in the past, how He may be working in your life in this very moment, and for the undiscovered blessings He has in store for you in the future.

Our “Signs and Wonders” series continues in this fifth week, with an encounter between Jesus and a blind man. Jesus and His disciples are very familiar with the village of Bethsaida, as some of the disciples live there (John 1:44), and they may have been expecting to come home for a bit of rest. However Jesus’ reputation has preceded him, and so friends of the blind man bring him to the Healer. Christ pulls the man from the village, spits saliva on his eyes, and touches the man with his hands. On the first try, the man remarks that he can now see - but people look like walking trees to him! Jesus touches him again, and on the second touch the man’s sight is fully restored.

So far in our series, we have seen Jesus as the feeder of huge crowds and the victor over death. Here the Lord takes time and attention that was given to enormous crowds, and focuses on just one man who needs his touch - twice! A few questions for us to consider:

I’m convinced that we all know someone who has a physical condition which creates a barrier for them to participate in communal gatherings - like church! What practical steps can we take to help them feel more connected?
In this passage, Jesus pointedly removes the recipient from the village setting. How do you experience Jesus differently when you are in public (the “village”) compared to when you are alone or with fewer people (the “wilderness”)?
In Mark 8:26, Jesus tells the healed man not to go back into the village. Often after we have received God’s grace and help to set our path straight, our first step is back in the more comfortable and familiar direction! How can we encourage others to step instead in a new direction, rather than falling back into old habits?

I hope you will be joining us this Sunday, March 17, at either the traditional 9 am service or the contemporary 10:30 am service, or joining us on one of the livestreams. My prayer is that our worship will be pleasing to God and inspirational to all who participate.

In Christ,

Pastor Dale

3.10.24 Signs & Wonders: “Miracles Beyond Boundaries”

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 09:00:00 GMT

Matthew 9:18-26, Psalm 103:1-11 (CEB)

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

As we journey together through the Season of Lent, we continue to seek understanding, guidance, and renewal from the scriptures. This week, I am particularly excited to share with you our upcoming sermon entitled “Miracles Beyond Boundaries,” based on Matthew 9:18-26 (CEB), which focuses on two miraculous healings performed by Jesus. First, the daughter of a synagogue leader brought back to life, and second, a woman suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years healed simply by touching Jesus’ cloak. These stories are not just miracles but powerful testimonies to the boundless compassion of Jesus Christ, who breaks down the walls that divide us—social, religious, and those constructed by doubt and despair.

In a world where divisions seem more pronounced than ever, the message of Jesus’ inclusive love and power is a beacon of hope. Jesus did not only come for the righteous or the socially acceptable, but he came for all. The synagogue leader and the bleeding woman represent the spectrum of society—from the respected to the marginalized. Jesus’ response to both is a profound lesson in breaking barriers that we, too, are called to follow.

We will also read Psalm 103:1-11 (CEB), which lays a beautiful foundation for understanding the depth of God’s love and mercy. It reminds us of his benefits—he forgives, heals, redeems, crowns us with love and compassion, and satisfies our desires with good things. This passage echoes the themes of our primary text, showing that God’s love and mercy know no bounds.

To prepare our hearts and minds for this week’s sermon, I encourage you to think on the following discussion questions:

Reflect on a time when you felt excluded or marginalized. How does the story of the woman with hemorrhages speak to your experience?
Consider the barriers (social, religious, personal) that exist in our community. What steps can we take, inspired by Jesus’ actions, to break down these walls?
Jesus’ miracles were signs of the Kingdom of God breaking into human history. In what ways can we be agents of God’s kingdom, bringing healing and hope to the broken areas of our world today?

As we gather this Sunday, let us come with open hearts and minds, ready to be transformed by the power of God’s word. Let us be reminded that the miracles of Jesus are not just events of the past but invitations for us to be part of the ongoing story of God’s love breaking through every boundary that divides us.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

3.3.24 Signs & Wonders: “Miracles Through Us”

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 09:00:01 GMT

Luke 9:10-17, Ephesians 3:16-21 (CEB)

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

Our Lenten Series, “Signs and Wonders,” has certainly gotten off to a compelling start. I don’t know about you, but being intentional to look for God’s continuous miraculous work around and within my life, my family, our congregation, and our community has made a big difference for me. I am sensing a vibrancy and energy that, all too often, I ashamedly tend to miss. As I begin each day this Lent, I seek expectantly for what God will do…

This Sunday, we continue this series focusing on Luke’s account of Jesus miraculously feeding five thousand people with the same amount of bread and fish I would typically feed my family of four. For Trinity, a congregation passionate about feeding our fellow brothers and sisters who find themselves hungry, I believe this particular miracle has inspired us to do much of the mission ministry we do with First Stop, Meals to Grow, Meals on Wheels, Food for Thought, and more. In other words, Trinity loves answering God’s call to feed others - so this miracle means a lot to us!

In this passage, Jesus commands the disciples to feed the crowd. As the disciples consider the scope of Jesus’ ask, they get a little snarky and almost miss a life-changing ministry opportunity for the crowd - and for themselves. Thankfully, Jesus doesn’t allow that to happen. Jesus knows the crowd needs feeding and the disciples need stretching to realize that so much “beyond all that we could ask or imagine” is possible if we will only open ourselves up to God working miracles through us!

As we prepare for this week, here are a few questions to consider:

Where have you seen God do something that you didn’t think was possible? What did that experience teach, create, or establish within you?
As you consider God’s call on your life to share in ministry with others, what power, ability, strength, and capacity do you depend on? Only what you can do? Or also what God can do through you?
Is there a big need stirring in your heart that you feel too overwhelmed to act on? Does it seem foolish or courageous for you to consider asking God to work a miracle through you in response to that need?

This Sunday, we will also celebrate Holy Communion in both the 9 am Traditional and 10:30 am Contemporary worship services. I encourage you to invite someone to worship with you. Who knows? God may be calling you both to the same miraculous work in the world!

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

2.25.24 Signs & Wonders: Signs & Wonders: Jesus Stills the Storm

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 09:00:00 GMT

Mark 4:35-41 (CEB)

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

As we continue our spiritual journey through this Lenten Season, our attention turns to Jesus calming the storm, as recounted in Mark 4:35-41 (CEB). This passage not only demonstrates Jesus’ remarkable authority over the natural elements, but also highlights his profound presence that brings peace in the most chaotic moments.

We are beyond thrilled to welcome a very special guest, Rev. Sherill Clontz, who will preach at 9 am Traditional and the 10:30 am Contemporary services. Rev. Clontz, currently serving as the Northeast District Superintendent, once served as an associate pastor here at Trinity. Her return to our church family is a blessing we eagerly anticipate, knowing she will bring a powerful message.

As we prepare our hearts and minds for this week’s sermon, I encourage you to reflect on the following questions with me:

Reflect on a time when you experienced Jesus calming a storm in your life. What did that experience teach you about faith and trust in God?
Considering Jesus’ question, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?,” how does this challenge your current faith journey?
What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper faith that trusts in Jesus’ power and presence, especially during challenging times?

This Sunday promises to be a profound experience of worship, an opportunity to be reminded of the peace that Jesus offers us, even during life’s storms. It is also a perfect Sunday to invite someone who is searching for peace in their life, someone who may benefit from hearing the reassuring message of Jesus’ power and presence.

Looking forward to a blessed Sunday,

Pastor Dedric

2.18.24 Signs & Wonders: “Positioned for the Miraculous”

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 09:00:03 GMT

Mark 2:1-12, Romans 5:13-16 (CEB)

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

I am excited to begin this Lenten season with each of you. Lent invites us to a time of deep reflection, prayer, and penance, offering us a sacred space to repent of our sins, engage in acts of service, and embrace self-denial. It’s a season that prepares our hearts for the joy and hope of Easter Sunday, reminding us of the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ.

This week, we also begin our Lenten Sermon Series, “Signs and Wonders,” where we will be exploring some of the miracles of Jesus in the Gospels. We turn to Mark 2:1-12 (CEB), a passage that not only reveals the miraculous power of Jesus but also offers profound insights into the very heart of his ministry. In this story, we encounter a man paralyzed, lying on a mat. His friends, determined to bring him to Jesus, uncover the roof above where Jesus was speaking and lower the man down. It’s a scene that captures the essence of faith, community, and divine intervention. Jesus, seeing their faith, responds not only by healing the man physically but also by addressing something far deeper—his spiritual life.

As we explore this passage, we’ll ask ourselves: What roofs do we need to tear open? What barriers are we facing that prevent us from accessing the transformative presence of Jesus? This story challenges us to reflect on the nature of true faith and the barriers we are willing to break through to bring ourselves and others into the presence of Christ. Simply put, being positioned for the miraculous!

As we prepare for this week, here are a few questions to consider:

How do you perceive the relationship between faith and the miracles of Jesus in your life? Discuss how faith has played a role in experiencing or witnessing moments that you would describe as miraculous.
Reflect on the obstacles in our lives that may prevent us from experiencing the miracles of Jesus. How can we overcome these obstacles, and what role does perseverance and creativity play in our journey of faith?
In our pursuit of miracles and divine intervention, how can we balance our desires for physical healing or solutions with the need for spiritual healing? Discuss how recognizing and experiencing spiritual healing can be transformative in our everyday lives, even when physical or external circumstances may not change immediately.

As we explore the signs and wonders of Jesus’ ministry, let this week be a testimony to our faith in his unending grace.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

2.11.24 Think on These Things: “What’s on Your Mind?”

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 09:00:04 GMT

Philippians 4:8-14, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (CEB)

Dear Friends,

We have spent five weeks now “thinking on these things,” inspired by Paul’s letter to the Philippians. As we complete this series with our final message, “What’s On Your Mind?” , let’s take the time to thank God for the many ways we have been inspired by His Spirit so far, and for the blessings still to come.

The Letter to the Philippians was written by Paul from a Roman jail cell, with his arrest creating a considerable distance between himself and his hearers. This is why he states in Philippians 4:8-14 that “now at last you [the church in Philippi] have shown your concern for me again.” Paul saw that even in the church’s infancy, they were bound together and united in Christ in supernatural ways more powerful than the physical distance which separated them.

In our secondary scripture for the week, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 , Paul follows up these earlier ideas with a shocking quotation of Jesus: “My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness.” We might prefer that Christ would just give us the power and skip the weakness! But as Paul notes, we must first be brought low in order to receive grace, without which we could not have faith.

As we prepare to worship together this Sunday, let’s consider some questions:

From Paul’s own list of things to think about in Phil. 4:8 – true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy – which do you think on the most often? Which commands the least amount of your attention?
In what areas of your life do you feel content (Phil. 4:12)? In what areas do you struggle with contentedness?
Paul’s statement in 2 Corinthians 12:10 – “when I’m weak, then I’m strong” – is a paradox. In what ways have you personally experienced spiritual paradoxes – such as strength in times of weakness, clarity in thought in times of confusion, or feeling closer to God despite life’s challenges?

I look forward to seeing YOU at the 9 am traditional worship service in our sanctuary, or at the 10:30 am Cross Connect contemporary worship service in the New Room worship space, this coming Sunday as we close out this sermon series and, hopefully, spend the rest of our lives thinking on these things!

In Christ,

Pastor Dale

2.4.24 Think on These Things: “What Are You Praying For?”

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 09:01:25 GMT

Philippians 4:1-7, Romans 8:18-28 (CEB)

The focus of our upcoming sermon is around the question “What Are You Praying For?” and based on Philippians 4:1-7 (CEB) . We will reflect deeply on the nature of our prayers and how they connect us to God’s peace and his greater purpose for our lives. In the text, the Apostle Paul encourages us not to be anxious but to present our requests to God through prayer and thanksgiving. This passage reminds us that prayer isn’t just about asking for things; it’s about aligning our hearts with God’s will and experiencing his peace. As a supporting text, we will read Romans 8:18-28 (CEB) , which further explores this idea, assuring us that God works for the good of those who love him, even during our struggles and uncertainties.

As we prepare for this week, let’s think on these questions:

How does prayer help us in times of anxiety or uncertainty?
Considering Romans 8:18-28, how can we become more attuned to God’s purpose in our lives through our prayer life?
What role does faith play in our prayer life, and how can we strengthen it? Reflect on the connection between faith and prayer and consider ways we can grow in faith to enhance our prayer experience.

I look forward to this week with you as we reflect on how prayer, rooted in faith, can align us with God’s peace and his greater purpose for our lives.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

1.28.24 Think on These Things: “Are We There Yet?”

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 09:00:03 GMT

Philippians 3:12-21, Galatians 5:22-23 (CEB)

Dear Trinity Family,

What a week we’ve had! Ice, ice, and more ice!

After a break last week to acknowledge the times in our life when we feel “frozen,” we finally continue in our sermon series “Think on These Things.”

This week we will reflect on the question “Are You There Yet?” based on the encouraging words of Philippians 3:12-21 (CEB). Philippians 3 challenges us to press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Jesus Christ. It’s a powerful reminder that our spiritual journey is a continuous pursuit, not a one-time achievement. Complementing this, Galatians 5:22-23 (CEB) speaks of the fruits of the Spirit, which are essential indicators of our spiritual growth.

As we prepare our hearts for this message, reflect on these questions:

How do you personally relate to the idea of “pressing on” in your spiritual journey? Reflect on times when you’ve felt progress in your faith and what “pressing on” looks like in your daily life.
Which of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) do you find most challenging to cultivate in your life, and why? Discuss practical steps and strategies to nurture this fruit in your daily walk with God.
How can the acknowledgment that we are all “works in progress” influence the way we interact with and support each other in our faith community?

I’m looking forward to worshiping this weekend – 9 am Traditional (Sanctuary) and 10:30 am Cross Connect Contemporary (The New Room). “Are You There Yet?” will be a checkpoint for all of us as we start the year on our spiritual journey. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and realign ourselves with the path God has set before us.

Let’s embrace this opportunity to assess where we are, where we’re headed, and how we can continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

1.21.24 Think on These Things: “Are We There Yet?”

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 09:00:04 GMT

Philippians 3:12-21, Galatians 5:22-23 (CEB)

Dear Trinity Family,

As we continue our walk in faith, this week we will reflect on the question “Are You There Yet?” based on the encouraging words of Philippians 3:12-21 (CEB) . Philippians 3 challenges us to press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Jesus Christ. It’s a powerful reminder that our spiritual journey is a continuous pursuit, not a one-time achievement. Complementing this, Galatians 5:22-23 (CEB) speaks of the fruits of the Spirit, which are essential indicators of our spiritual growth.

As we prepare our hearts for this message, reflect on these questions:

How do you personally relate to the idea of “pressing on” in your spiritual journey? Reflect on times when you’ve felt progress in your faith and what “pressing on” looks like in your daily life.
Which of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) do you find most challenging to cultivate in your life, and why? Discuss practical steps and strategies to nurture this fruit in your daily walk with God.
How can the acknowledgment that we are all “works in progress” influence the way we interact with and support each other in our faith community?

Let’s embrace this opportunity to assess where we are, where we’re headed, and how we can continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

1.14.24 Think on These Things: “Where Are You Headed?”

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 09:00:00 GMT

Philippians 2:1-11, Matthew 7 (CEB)

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

I am really excited about our next sermon, “Where Are You Headed?” based on Philippians 2:1-11 (CEB) . We will deepen our understanding of discipleship by following Jesus’ example of humility and how that leads us down the narrow path to a life filled with truth. Philippians 2 challenges us to think about how we can be more like Jesus in our everyday life. It’s not always easy, especially when our world often pushes us in the opposite direction. We will also read Matthew 7 (CEB) , which gives us a powerful image of two paths – one wide, one narrow. It really makes you think about which path you’re on, doesn’t it?

So, as we prepare for Sunday, I’ve got a few questions for you to consider:

How can we live out Jesus’ kind of humility in the real world? Think about actual things we can do or changes we can make in our daily routines.
What makes walking the narrow path tough, and how can we stick to it?
How does having a Christ-like mindset change the way we make decisions? Consider how this way of thinking impacts our choices, our relationships, and where we’re headed in life.

As we focus on these scriptures, let’s see how they might stir us to rethink our direction and choices. We are all on a journey of transformation, each of us at different stages, yet united in our common goal to become more like Jesus Christ.

I can’t wait to see you at either 9 am Traditional (Sanctuary) or 10:30 am Cross Connect Contemporary (The New Room). Don’t forget the fellowship time in the lobbies between 10-10:30!

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

1.7.24 New Sermon Series: “Think on These Things” (Holy Communion)

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 09:00:02 GMT

Philippians 1:9-12, Hebrews 12:1-2 (CEB)

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

I am really excited to kick-off this new year with our new sermon series, "Think on These Things" based on the book of Philippians. If you take the opportunity to read the entirety of Philippians in one sitting, you will notice how frequently Paul encourages the reader to Rejoice! Be Glad! What is truly amazing is that Paul offers this repeated encouragement from the hardship of imprisonment. How is Paul able to do this?

This Sunday's scriptures, Philippians 1:9-12 and Hebrews 12:1-2, suggest that the answer has everything to do with OUR FOCUS. If you are anything like me, my natural tendency is to focus on the problem, the lack, the struggle, the anxiety. Instead, both Philippians and Hebrews encourage us to keep our eyes fixed on the love, knowledge, and example of Jesus Christ. In doing so, we are transformed and able to discern "what really matters" in life. Furthermore, our hearts are inspired to give God glory and praise and liberated to experience deep and lasting joy, despite our circumstances.

As we prepare for Sunday, let's consider a few questions together:

What are your thoughts, attention, and energy focused on right now?
Do you find it easy or challenging for your heart to praise God and feel joyful? Does it depend on the circumstances?
How do you think refocusing on the love, knowledge, and example of Jesus Christ can change your feelings and experiences?
As we focus on these scriptures, may we do so with hope of transformation, for our sake and for the sake of the advancement of the gospel.

I can’t wait to worship with you at either 9 am Traditional (Sanctuary) or 10:30 am Cross Connect Contemporary (The New Room). Plus, we're having a big party in both lobbies from 10:00-10:30, so let's share coffee & fellowship together as we start this new year!

Blessings,

Pastor Carrie

12.25.23 “The Wait Is Over: Christ Is Born”

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 09:35:36 GMT

Merry Christmas!

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

On this blessed Christmas Day, as we gather with family and friends, surrounded by the warmth of love and the joy of the season, we celebrate a moment we have all been waiting for – the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. In the humblest of settings, in a manger, Christ entered our world, embodying the hope, peace, love, and joy we have longed for.

The story of Christ’s birth is a powerful reminder that God’s timing is perfect. In the simplicity of a stable, away from fanfare, the Savior of the world was born. This humble beginning is a testament to God’s extraordinary way of working in our lives, often beyond our expectations and understanding. As we reflect on this incredible event, let’s remember that every season of waiting in our lives has a purpose and that God is with us in each of them.

Today, as we celebrate Christmas, let us embrace the fullness of joy that comes with the birth of Jesus. Let the love that he represents fill our homes and hearts. Let the peace he brings reside in our spirits, and the hope he embodies light our way. The wait is indeed over – Christ is born, and through him, we are offered the greatest gift of all, salvation and eternal life.

Join us this Sunday from a combined worship service at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary, as we continue the celebration of the season with a Service of Lessons & Carols featuring the choir and congregational singing.

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Dedric

12.24.23 (Both) While We Are Waiting: “What If I Stop Waiting?”

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 09:00:03 GMT

John 1:9-18 (CEB) and I Samuel 8:4-22 (CEB)

You’ve prayed for God to move in your life, or the life of someone you care about, but it doesn’t seem to have made a difference. You believe the scriptures that tell you to keep faith, but waiting for God to answer your prayers has worn you out. The challenges and trials of life in this world can seem so powerful and overwhelming, and you are facing them head-on with only your faith to support you. You may have even wondered, “What if I just give up on waiting?”

You are not alone.

Come for our combined morning worship service on the 4th Sunday of Advent, December 24, 10:00 a.m. in The New Room contemporary worship space. Come join your fellow disciples as we ask these hard questions together. Come release the burdens of the holiday season, and the burden of unanswered prayers. Come and see if God will meet us right where we are. As we head into the Christmas holiday, let’s not give up hope yet!

In Christ,

Pastor Dale

12.17.23 (Both) While We Are Waiting: “What Happens While I Wait?”

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 09:00:02 GMT

Mark 1:1-8 (CEB) and Numbers 14:1-9 (CEB)

Trinity Family & Friends:

We continue our journey together through our sermon series, While We Are Waiting, it’s been a powerful experience thus far. I’m thrilled to preach our next sermon topic, “What Happens While I Wait?” Waiting is an inevitable part of life’s journey, and it often brings with it a mix of uncertainty, anticipation, and introspection. While waiting can be challenging, it also opens doors for profound spiritual and personal growth.

In Mark 1:1-8 (CEB) , we’re reminded of the pivotal role John the Baptist played in preparing the way for Jesus, illustrating the importance of being spiritually and emotionally ready in our times of waiting. This passage encourages us to view waiting as an active period of preparation and self-discovery. On the other hand, Numbers 14:1-9 (CEB ) offers insights into trusting and maintaining faith during uncertain times. The Israelites’ experiences and reactions provide valuable lessons on patience, obedience, and maintaining a hopeful perspective even when the path ahead seems unclear.

To foster deeper understanding and connection, think on these questions:

Can you recall a time when you were in a “waiting room” of life? How did you feel during this period, and what did you learn about yourself and your faith?
In what ways do you think waiting periods prepare us for what’s next in our lives? How can we use these times to grow closer to God and strengthen our faith?

Our waiting times can be transformative, if we approach them with the right perspective and a heart willing to learn and grow. I look forward to this Sunday and anticipate what God will do in our midst.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

12.3.23 (Both) While We Are Waiting: “Why Is It Hard to Wait?” (Holy Communion)

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Matthew 24:36-44 (CEB) and Isaiah 55:6-13 (CEB)

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

As we begin our sermon series, While We Are Waiting, we deal with the question: “Why Is It Hard to Wait?” Waiting is an experience often filled with a mix of anticipation, patience, and at times, frustration. Why do we find it so challenging? In Matthew 24:36-44 (CEB) , Jesus speaks about the unpredictability of his return, a message that resonates with the often-uncertain nature of our waiting periods. This passage invites us to consider the spiritual and emotional dimensions of waiting, especially when we are unsure of the timing or outcome. Isaiah 55:6-13 (CEB) also offers us a perspective on the purpose and blessings that can emerge from these waiting times. It encourages us to seek the Lord and promises that his ways, higher than our own, bring forth incredible outcomes, even in times of waiting.

This question is not just about understanding the difficulties of waiting; it’s about finding ways to navigate these periods with hope, peace, love, and joy. It’s about embracing waiting as a part of our spiritual journey and discovering the lessons and growth that can arise during these times.

For further reflection, consider these questions:

When have you found waiting particularly challenging in your own life, and how did you cope with the uncertainty and anticipation?
How can periods of waiting deepen our faith and understanding of God’s plans?
What practical steps can we take to find peace and maintain hope during times when the outcome or timing is unknown?

Let’s support each other in finding meaning and strength in our waiting periods, growing together in faith and understanding. I look forward to worshiping with you and exploring this question on Sunday. Take some time this week to invite someone to Trinity.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

Our 2023 Advent Sermon Series: While We Are Waiting

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 09:00:03 GMT

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

I am excited to announce our 2023 Advent sermon series theme, “While We Are Waiting,” beginning Sunday, December 3rd at 9:00 a.m. Traditional Service (Sanctuary) and 11:00 a.m. Cross Connect Contemporary Service (The New Room).

Advent is a season marked by waiting; we await the celebration of Christ’s birth and anticipate his glorious return. In our modern lives, waiting can often feel like a passive, in-between state, filled with uncertainty, longing, and questions. Our prayer is that this sermon series will transform our perception of these waiting periods. We will explore Biblical insights and practical wisdom on how to actively engage in waiting, turning these moments into opportunities for spiritual growth and a deeper connection with God.

Week 1 (12.3.23): “Why Is It Hard to Wait?” (Holy Communion)

Matthew 24:36-44 (CEB)

Isaiah 55:6-13 (CEB)

The unpredictability of Christ’s return teaches us about the necessity of being prepared and vigilant in our waiting. The difficulty often lies in maintaining faith and readiness in the face of uncertainty.

Week 2 (12.10.23): “Why Do I Have to Wait?”

Luke 1:39-45 (CEB)

Genesis 18:1-2, 9-15 (CEB)

Sometimes we must wait because our journeys are intricately woven into a larger, divine narrative. Waiting can be a period of spiritual growth and strengthening of faith, as we anticipate the fulfillment of God’s promises in our lives.

Week 3 (12.17.23): “What Happens While I Wait?”

Mark 1:1-8 (CEB)

Numbers 14:1-9 (CEB)

During periods of waiting, significant groundwork is being laid—spiritually and practically, paving the way for what is to come, just as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus.

Week 4 (12.24.23): “What If I Stop Waiting?”

John 1:9-18 (CEB)

I Samuel 8:4-22 (CEB)

Ceasing to wait can lead to missing the profound revelations and blessings awaiting those who persist in faith and anticipation.

May this Advent be a time of sacred anticipation and transformative waiting for each of us. Let us prepare our hearts together for the coming of Christ, our eternal hope and joy.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

Gratitude for Our Gift of Giving Journey Together

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 09:00:03 GMT

Reflect on "The Gift of Giving"

As we reflect on our recent stewardship sermon series, "The Gift of Giving," my heart is filled with overwhelming gratitude and joy. Your commitment, faith, and spirit of generosity have truly embodied the essence of our Christian community.

First and foremost, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the time each of you spent in prayerful discernment. It is not simply about financial commitments; it is about understanding what God calls each of us to contribute towards our shared vision. This act of faith and trust is what empowers our beloved Trinity United Methodist Church to be a beacon of love, faith, and service.

Our vision, as you know, is clear and profound: “To be a Christian community inviting all to gather in love, grow in faith, and give back in joyful service.” Every financial commitment, large or small, makes this vision come alive, impacting lives on local, regional, and global scales. Because of your generosity, our reach extends far beyond our church walls, touching countless hearts and souls in profound ways.

Additionally, many of you pledged towards the Building Restoration Project. This project is not just about bricks and mortar; it is about securing, strengthening, and enhancing Trinity’s Home for current and future generations. It is about ensuring that our campus remains a strong, welcoming haven for all who seek God’s love.

I must also pause to extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated pastors, our diligent staff, and our selfless lay volunteers. Without your behind-the-scenes efforts, our journey through this series would not have been the same.

Lastly, as we approach the year’s end and look ahead to 2024, I challenge each one of you to continue praying for our church’s ministry. God has wonderful plans in store, and through our collective faith and action, we will witness great things in our community and beyond.

Thank you all! I am grateful for each of you and your love for God and Trinity United Methodist Church.

Grateful to be one of your pastors,

Pastor Dedric

11.12.23 (Both) The Gift of Giving: “The Impact of Our Giving”

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 09:00:01 GMT

Acts 20:35, Luke 6:27-38

Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

As we approach the conclusion of our stewardship sermon series, “The Gift of Giving,” I am filled with gratitude for the journey we have undertaken together. This week, we will finish with a sermon entitled “The Impact of Our Giving,” which aims to capture the essence of all we have learned and celebrate what God is doing through the generosity of the people of God called Trinity United Methodist Church.

Our guiding scripture for this sermon is Acts 20:35 (CEB) , a beautiful reminder that, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” These words encompass the spirit of true generosity. We will also read Luke 6:27-38 (CEB) , where Jesus encourages us to give without expecting anything in return and promises that our measure of generosity will determine the measure of our blessings.

Giving is not merely about monetary offerings; it is about the heart, intention, and spirit with which we give. As we reflect on our personal and collective journeys, I want us to meditate upon the deep, lasting impact of our giving – not just on our church, but on our hearts and our relationship with God.

A significant part of our worship services this Sunday will be a collective act of faith and commitment. At the conclusion of both worship services – 9:00 a.m. Traditional and 11:00 a.m. Cross Connect, I will invite each of you to join me in coming forward and laying your 2024 Estimate of Giving Commitment Card on the altar. This act, which we do in prayer, is more than a pledge; it is a testament to our faith, our trust in God’s provision, and our shared vision for Trinity United Methodist Church.

These cards signify our united pledge to the 2024 budget, ensuring the continued growth of our ministries. Additionally, we will also have an opportunity to pledge toward our Building Restoration Project, a testament to our dedication to secure, strengthen, and expand Trinity’s Home for current and future generations.

I am looking forward to seeing each of you this Sunday, as we come together, both in spirit and in commitment. Thank you for the ways you support Trinity United Methodist Church as we seek to invite all to gather in love, grow in faith, and give back in joyful service.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

P.S. – Our Estimate of Giving Commitment Card and additional information on our Building Restoration Project can be found on our website at www.trinityhsv.org/giftofgiving .

11.5.23 (Both) The Gift of Giving: “Giving as Worship” (All Saints Sunday & Holy Communion)

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 19:43:30 GMT

Mark 12:41-44, 2 Corinthians 8:1-6

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

As All Saints Sunday approaches, we find ourselves in a moment of deep reflection. It is a time to honor the saints who have gone before us, their sacrifices, and the spiritual heritage they have passed down. Alongside this moment of remembering the saints above, I will be preaching a sermon in our stewardship series entitled “Giving as Worship” based on Mark 12:41-44 (CEB) . This familiar story describes a widow whose financial gift to the temple was not about its monetary value but its heart-driven generosity—a testament to faith that speaks volumes. This same type of generosity is echoed in 2 Corinthians 8:1-6 (CEB) , where the Macedonian churches, despite their challenges, overflowed with joyful generosity, giving even beyond their means.

Why did they give so selflessly? How can our own acts of giving be transformed from mere obligations to profound acts of worship? In remembering the saints and their unwavering devotion, we will discover how our offerings can become powerful expressions of our love and commitment to God.

Join us this Sunday as we explore the depth of giving, its ties to worship, and its role in the legacy we leave for generations to come.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

P.S. - Take a moment to explore information on our stewardship campaign and prayerfully examine our 2024 Estimate of Giving Commitment Card online at www.trinityhsv.org/giftofgiving . On Sunday, November 12th in both worship services, I would like to invite each of you to join me in coming forward and laying your commitment card on the altar. This act, which we do in prayer, is more than a pledge; it is a testament to our faith, our trust in God’s provision, and our shared vision for Trinity United Methodist Church.

Food for Thought Collection Sunday | In Person & Drive Thru | Nov 5

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 08:00:00 GMT

FOOD FOR THOUGHT “For I was hungry and you gave me food…” Matt. 25:35

The holidays are upon us and many families are looking forward to sitting down to a meal with family and friends. When I was growing up we always went to my maternal grandmothers for Thanksgiving with the entire family and the table was filled with food. Since my grandmother fixed the majority of the food my mother started a tradition with our immediate family where we prepared a full-blown Thanksgiving meal and took it to a family that wasn’t as fortunate. When we delivered this meal, we also left groceries with them so that they had food for a month. This was her way of teaching us to share the blessings that the Lord had bestowed upon us. I tell this to you to give you a suggestion for providing the ingredients so that a family that isn’t as fortunate can prepare a meal that is fit for a king. The Lord blesses us and this is a wonderful way for us to bless others.

Bins are in place throughout the month for your contributions at the Wesley Hall entrance, the Narthex, and in The New Room Lobby. If you would rather make a monetary donation, make your check to TUMC and put FFT on the memo line.

The following are items that are requested for this month’s collection on November 5 that goes to Carolyn’s Cupboard at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church (it is their Thanksgiving collection) as well as for next month’s collection on December 3 which will go to the food pantry at New Market United Methodist Church (it will be their Christmas donation) both food pantries have requested the following: oatmeal, cereal, pop tarts, canned sweet potatoes, canned potatoes canned corn, canned green beans, canned squash, canned cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, canned ham, cream of mushroom soup, French fried onions, gravy, cooking oil, tea bags, kool-aid, coffee and sugar. (Always remember these are requested items but any and all contributions are greatly appreciated.)

Thank you for making this mission project such a huge success.

10.29.23 (Both) The Gift of Giving: “The Discipline of Giving”

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 08:00:01 GMT

Malachi 3:6-12, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (CEB)

Dear Church Family!

In our modern world, discipline often carries a strict connotation, associated with restriction and limitation. However, when observed through the lens of faith, discipline is a beautiful witness of our love, trust, and commitment to God. This is especially true when it comes to our financial resources.

Our sermon this week is entitled “The Discipline of Giving” and our focal scripture is from Malachi 3:6-12 (CEB) . This is an ancient dialogue between God and his people. More than a mere obligation or tradition, tithing - giving ten-percent of one’s income back to God, is a profound act of worship. It is a tangible demonstration of our love for God and our unwavering trust in his promise to provide for our every need. “Why rob God?” the scripture asks, challenging us to reflect on the areas where we might be holding back, not just in our finances but in our hearts. Tithing is more than just giving a tenth of our income, but it is about the condition of our hearts. Do we give grudgingly, or do we give with a spirit of gratitude and trust?

We will also read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (CEB) that reminds us that we serve a generous God who invites us into a deeper relationship with him. By embracing generosity, we align our hearts with God’s, and we bear witness to his unending provision and faithfulness.

As we prepare for Sunday, I invite you to join me in reflecting on our understanding of giving. Is it merely a box to check off or a deep-rooted discipline that draws you closer to God? Let us come together with open hearts and minds, ready to embrace the joy and blessings that come from living a life of disciplined giving. In doing so, may we showcase our love for God and our undying trust in his promises.

If you need additional information on the stewardship campaign or the 2024 Estimate of Giving Commitment Card, visit our website at www.trinityhsv.org/donate . Thank you for all that you do to support the ministries of Trinity United Methodist Church.

Looking forward to worshiping with you all,

Pastor Dedric

10.22.23 (Both) The Gift of Giving: “The World’s Model of Giving”

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 08:00:00 GMT

Matthew 6:24-34 , Philippians 4:10-13

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

As we continue in our sermon series, “The Gift of Giving,” we will discuss a topic that impacts each one of us daily: our perspective on giving. The title of this week’s sermon is “The World’s Model for Giving,” which is aimed at exploring, and perhaps challenging, the inherent differences between the world’s views on giving and God’s views. The guiding scripture for our sermon is from Matthew 6:24-34 (CEB). As a foundational passage, it reminds us that “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.” Such a powerful statement calls us to reflect. Are our giving habits influenced more by worldly standards or Godly standards? It is clear that our society, driven by consumerism and materialism, often links success and value to wealth and possessions. But does this align with what God desires for us?

We will also read Philippians 4:10-13 (CEB), where the Apostle Paul shares about finding contentment in any circumstance, be it abundance or need, through Christ who strengthens him. It is a perspective shift – seeing our means and our wealth not as tools for personal gain, but as resources to further God’s Kingdom and to be content in whatever situation we are placed in.

So, what drives our giving? As we approach Sunday, I invite you to reflect on these questions with me. Let us come together to challenge the norms and to truly understand what it means to give in a way that mirrors God’s heart. If you missed last week’s sermon in our series, you could catch up online at www.trinityhsv.org/services .

See you Sunday! Please invite someone!

Pastor Dedric

10.15.23 (Both) New Sermon Series: The Gift of Giving: “God’s Model for Giving”

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 08:00:02 GMT

John 3:16-19, I John 3:16-19

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

I hope this message finds you well. As your new senior pastor, I am deeply humbled and blessed to be a part of this vibrant congregation. I am filled with anticipation as I envision us continuing to invite all to gather in love, grow in faith, and give back in joyful service.

In light of this, I am excited to share with you that beginning Sunday, October 15th in both our 9:00 a.m. Traditional Service and 11:00 a.m. Cross Connect Service, I will be preaching a stewardship sermon series, entitled “The Gift of Giving” based on Acts 20:35 (CEB) : “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” A scripture that speaks deeply about the nature of God’s love and how we, as God’s children, are called to embody it. Simply put, every act of generosity we display is in response to God’s love in our lives.

Here is a brief look at what each Sunday holds for us, as we prepare to learn more about the Biblical principles of giving and stewardship:

October 15: “God's Model for Giving”

John 3:16-19 (CEB)

I John 3:16-19 (CEB)

We will explore the profound depth of God’s love and the unmatched gift he has given to each of us. The world saw the ultimate act of giving when God sacrificed his only Son, Jesus Christ, for our salvation.

October 22: “The World’s Model of Giving”

Matthew 6:24-34 (CEB)

Philippians 4:10-13 (CEB)

In a world where materialism can easily cloud our judgment, it is vital we understand where true riches are found. God’s perspective on giving, rooted in selflessness and love, offers a fulfillment that far surpasses the world's fleeting views on generosity.

October 29: “The Discipline of Giving”

Malachi 3:6-12 (CEB)

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (CEB)

We will examine what the Bible teaches on tithing, giving 10% of one’s income back to God, a discipline that enables us to demonstrate how much we love God and how we trust him to provide for our every need.

November 5: “Giving as Worship” (All Saints Sunday & Holy Communion)

Mark 12:41-44 (CEB)

2 Corinthians 8:1-6 (CEB)

Using the story of the widow’s mite, we will explore how genuine giving is a form of worship, reflecting our trust and reverence for God. We will also remember the saints who have come before us and how many of them dedicated their time, talents, and resources to support the work of ministry.

November 12: “The Impact of Our Giving” – Commitment Sunday (2024 Estimate of Giving Commitment Cards)

Acts 20:35 (CEB)

Luke 6:27-38 (CEB)

We will reflect on the ripple effects of our generosity. The scripture reminds us that our giving has the power to bless others in more ways than we can imagine. At the conclusion of both services, we will be invited to prayerfully commit ourselves to be generous toward God and others through the ministries of Trinity United Methodist Church by submitting a 2024 Estimate of Giving Commitment Card . This card also gives an opportunity for us to pledge toward our Building Restoration Project to secure, strengthen, and expand Trinity’s Home for current and future generations. You can find additional information on our website at www.trinityhsv.org/donate .

My hope and prayer is that this sermon series will inspire each and every one of us to grow in our generosity. Not out of obligation, but out of gratitude. As we focus on “The Gift of Giving,” let us remember that every act of generosity, no matter how small, reflects God’s love and grace to those around us.

Grateful to be one of your pastors,

Pastor Dedric

Don’t forget you can keep up with all of our worship services and sermons live or on demand at www.trinityhsv.org/services .

10.8.23 (Both) What We Value: We Value Excellence

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 08:00:00 GMT

Colossians 3:1-4, 12-17, Psalm 8

Trinity Family & Friends!

This Sunday in worship, we conclude our “What We Value” series with a sermon entitled “We Value Excellence.” Excellence isn’t just about being the best or achieving high standards in a worldly sense. In our spiritual walk, excellence reflects our commitment to offer our very best to God, in all that we do. At Trinity, we don’t merely recognize this; we embrace it as one of our core values, making it central to our worship, fellowship, and service.

The foundation for this week’s sermon comes from Colossians 3:1-4, 12-17 (CEB) and Psalm 8 (CEB) . In Colossians 3, Paul writes to the church, urging believers to set their hearts and minds on things above. He provides a list of virtues that we should clothe ourselves with, leading to whatever we do, in word or deed, being done in the name of the Lord Jesus. Excellence here isn’t about perfection but about intention, purpose, and gratitude.

Psalm 8 continues in this vein with a reflection on the majesty of God and the dignity of humanity. This psalm reminds us that our call to excellence is a response to the marvelous works and trust God has placed in us.

Join us this Sunday, as we strive for excellence, not as a badge of honor for ourselves but as a testimony to the God who created us and loves us.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

10.1.23 (Both) What We Value: We Value Rest

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 08:00:00 GMT

Psalm 23, Matthew 11:25-30

Trinity Family & Friends!

As we continue in our sermon series on “What We Value,” we will discuss the fact that at Trinity, “We Value Rest.” In the hustle and bustle of our fast-paced lives, taking a moment to breathe, reflect, and find peace becomes not just a luxury but a profound necessity.

Scripture is not silent on the importance of rest. In Psalm 23 (CEB), we’re reminded of the Shepherd’s gentle guidance, leading us beside still waters and restoring our souls. The Psalm doesn't merely present rest as an occasional need but rather an integral part of our relationship with God. Through the valleys and mountains of life, the promise of rest and renewal is a constant echo. Meanwhile, in Matthew 11:25-30 (CEB), Jesus invites all those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. This is not just physical rest but a deep, soulful rest that rejuvenates our very being. Through this scripture, we are reminded of the divine invitation to lay down our burdens, worries, and anxieties and find peace in Him.

As we prepare our hearts and minds for this week’s service, let’s consider our relationship with rest. Are we weary? Are we burdened? The promise of rest is not just a distant ideal but a present reality that we should deeply cherish and faithfully practice.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

9.24.23 (Both) What We Value: We Value Differences

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 08:00:01 GMT

Revelation 7:9-17, Romans 12:3-18

Trinity Family & Friends:

I don’t know about you, but for me, I sense a grounding & a connection among us as we journey together through this sermon series on “What We Value”. God has given Trinity a compelling vision into the future, and clear guidance on the spirit with which we are to be the Church God needs us to be for Huntsville at such a time as this.

This Sunday’s scriptures are unbelievably powerful. I find myself particularly in awe by Revelation 7:9-17 (CEB) as I consider this eternal reality we are called to actualize in the here & now. People from every markable difference on earth united in worship around the throne of God - is there anything more beautiful & inspiring? In contrast, the world around us is constantly conditioning us to divide, at times even demonize, according to our differences. I am beyond grateful that Trinity has chosen to “Value Differences” as we are taught to do in Romans 12:3-18 (CEB), realizing that the source of our differences is actually a gift and expression of God’s grace and intended for the fullness of the body of Christ.

This Sunday, as we worship in both the 9 am Traditional and 11 am Cross Connect services, I invite you to lean in as we seek to further embody this truth, that at Trinity, “We Value Differences.”

Have a blessed week, and I can’t wait to worship with you Sunday!

Pastor Carrie

9.17.23 (Both) What We Value: We Value Service

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 08:00:00 GMT

Matthew 25:31-40, Philippians 2:1-11

Dear Trinity Family & Friends:

I am grateful for the many stories and testimonies that have been shared with me during this sermon series on “What We Value.” Our Trinity DNA is a powerful witness to the power of God at work in the lives of those connected to our church and ministry. This week, we will continue to explore our values and discuss another facet of Trinity’s ministry – service. This sermon will be based on the scripture passage Matthew 25:31-40 (CEB), a powerful passage that underscores the importance of serving others, both within our church community and beyond. This passage reminds us that our faith is not just about what we believe, but also about how we live out those beliefs through acts of service.

As we explore this passage together, we will discuss practical ways in which we can engage in acts of service, both big and small, and how these acts reflect our love for God and our neighbors. I will also highlight Isaiah 58:6-12 (CEB) and Philippians 2:1-11 (CEB), which reminds us that true worship and devotion to God is reflected in our actions towards others, especially the marginalized and downtrodden and that in serving them, we will find our own healing and restoration. As part of the Trinity Family, we are committed to living out the teachings of Jesus in tangible ways, and this sermon will challenge and inspire us to make service a priority in our lives.

I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday. I am trusting that God will empower us like never before to put our faith into action.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

P.S. - If you missed any of the previous sermons in our series, you can catch up online on our website, www.trinityhsv.org/services

9.10.23 (Both) What We Value: We Value Support

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 08:00:00 GMT

Luke 5:7-16, Hebrews 10:19-25

Trinity Family & Friends:

I hope you are enjoying our sermon series on “What We Value” as much as I have these last few weeks. There is something extraordinary about focusing on our values. I believe it not only gives us clarity, but it also prepares us for what God has in store for us in the future.

This Sunday at 9 am Traditional & 11 am Cross Connect, our sermon will be entitled “We Value Support” and based on Luke 5:7-16 (CEB ). In this passage, Jesus was teaching in a crowded house when four men carried a paralyzed man on a stretcher, seeking to bring him before Jesus for healing. We will also read Hebrews 10:19-25 (CEB) , a passage that encourages the faith community to never stop meeting together with other believers. Both scriptures are wonderful reminders of how we are called to support and care for one another.

I am so glad to be a part of a church that embodies a spirit of community and kindness. As we worship together this week, I pray that God continues to stir within us a desire to encourage others within and outside our congregation.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Dedric

9.3.23 (Both) What We Value: We Value Love

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 08:00:01 GMT

Peter 4:7-11, Hosea 11:1-4

Our new sermon series “What We Value” continues this week with an examination of love, as found in the scriptures.

The word “love” means many different things to many different people. At Trinity, it is the first value that we name and try to live out. What does the word “love” mean to you? How do you love others, and how have others loved you?

In this week’s sermon, we will dive into 1 Peter 4:7-11 and Hosea 11:1-4 . Take heart! These are not simple, sappy verses on the ease of love. Rather, they take a hard look at the true cost of loving other people - who are hard to love sometimes!

I look forward to exploring these verses with you in both services Sunday. Let’s remember the first part of our vision statement: inviting ALL to gather in LOVE!

Pastor Dale

Food for Thought Collection Sunday | In Person & Drive Thru | Sep 3

Sat, 26 Aug 2023 00:25:38 GMT

FOOD FOR THOUGHT “For I was hungry and you gave me food…” Matt. 25:35

School is back in full swing and many children are receiving free breakfast and lunches at their respective schools. However, there are still many young children that aren’t school age and are at home and not receiving these meals. Therefore, let us all be mindful of Christ words “Let the children come unto me”. One way that I look at this is Christ is using the Food for Thought mission program as a vessel to bring the children to Him. When we feed His children we are feeding Him. The Lord has blessed us all and He doesn’t ask for anything in return other than “Do unto others as you do unto Me”. We can do this by being mindful of children and families that need the gift of sustenance and completely fill the bins with non-perishable food.

This month’s collection is on Sunday, September 3 therefore if you are going to be out of town, remember that bins are in place throughout the entire month at the Wesley Hall entrance, the Narthex and the New Room lobby for you to drop off your donation anytime during the week. Our collection goes to Carolyn’s Cupboard at St. Paul’s United Methodist church and they are in need of:

Cereal

Oatmeal

Pop Tarts

Pancake Mix

Syrup

Canned spaghetti sauce

Spaghetti pasta

Canned meat (Vienna sausages, chicken, tuna)

Canned vegetables

Hamburger Helper

Tea Bags

Coffee

Kool Aid

Paper towels

Dish Detergent

For those of you that like to shop ahead, the October 1st collection will go to New Market United Methodist Church and they are in need of: Cereal, Pop Tarts, Oatmeal, Pancake Mix, Syrup, Jelly, Peanut Butter, Canned meat (tuna, ham, chicken, etc.), Ravioli / Spaghetti and Meatballs, Canned Vegetables

8.27.23 (Both) New Sermon Series: What We Value

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 08:00:00 GMT

Matthew 5:13-16 , Romans 12:1-2

I am excited to announce our next sermon series entitled “What We Value.” In this 7-week series beginning August 27th at 9 am Traditional and 11 am Cross Connect, we will journey into the heart of Trinity United Methodist Church to reflect on our core values of love, support, service, value differences, rest, and excellence. Together, we will discern how to live out these values authentically and passionately as we seek to fulfill God’s vision for our church.

This Sunday, we will lay a foundation and discuss the importance of values as a moral compass that guides the Christian life. Our values shape our attitudes, decisions, and interactions with others, reflecting the teachings of Christ in our daily walk. We will examine Matthew 5:13-16 (CEB) , a passage from the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus uses the metaphors of salt and light to emphasize the importance of living out one’s faith and being a positive influence in the world. As a secondary text, we will also focus on Romans 12:1-2 , which highlights the importance of a devoted and renewed life, distinct from the ways of the world.

My prayer is that through this series, we will be inspired to continue to put our Trinity Values into action to grow closer to God, one another, and our Huntsville community.

See you (and a guest or two) in worship on Sunday!

Pastor Dedric

8.20.23 (Both) The Ripple of Faith

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 08:00:01 GMT

Acts 9:36-42 and Galatians 5:13-14, 6:9-10

Greetings Trinity!

This Sunday in both worship services, we will celebrate our United Women in Faith (UWF) and the impact this ministry has made at Trinity as well as around the world. Our UWF Women will be serving as greeters, ushers, and scripture readers, and we will highlight the many other ways they serve Trinity throughout the year.

Our worship theme will be “The Ripple of Faith,” and we will focus on Acts 9:36-42 and Galatians 5:13-14, 6:9-10 . Both scriptures remind us of the call we have as Christians to use our gifts in service to the needs of others. The Acts passage centers around the impact of the life & ministry of Tabitha. To Tabitha, her acts of service likely seemed small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things. And yet, here we are 2000 years later telling her story! The same is true with the United Women in Faith, who since 1869, have been offering consistent & faithful acts of service that have rippled into the world in life-changing ways.

I invite you this week to begin asking God where you are called to serve. As you do, keep in mind that the answer may seem small, and thus insignificant. Remember that with God, all acts of service are important - and we never know how God can and will use our small act of faith to make a huge ripple in the Kingdom. As Mother Teresa once said, "We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something.”

I can't wait to worship with you at 9 am Traditional in the Sanctuary and 11 am Cross Connect in the New Room! I also can't wait to meet the new friend you invite to worship with you!

Have a blessed week!

Pastor Carrie

8.13.23 (Both) “The Gift of Presence”

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 12:45:25 GMT

John 14:15-21, Romans 8:12-17

Dear Trinity Family!

This week, we are preparing for Discovery Weekend which is our biggest youth event of the year. During Discovery Weekend, our Middle School youth, led by our High School students, will explore the love and support offered by the church community. Through worship, small groups, meaningful activities, and deep connections, they will uncover the essence of belonging and presence in the church community.

In worship this Sunday, our theme will be “The Gift of Presence,” and we will focus on John 14:15-21 (CEB) and Romans 8:12-17 (CEB). Both scriptures remind us that those who are born by water and the spirit are joint heirs of Jesus and adopted into the Family of God. The presence of the Holy Spirit not only empowers us as individuals but also as the community of faith to live out our God-given purpose. As we partner with the Spirit and one another, God will do extraordinary things.

I will preach at 9 am Traditional, and our Director of Youth Ministries, Amber Cloud, will preach at 11 am Cross Connect. The youth will assist in serving communion at both services.

Let’s support our youth this weekend with our prayers and presence. If you haven’t taken the time to invite someone to Trinity this Sunday, do it right now while it’s on your mind.

Grateful to be one of your pastors,

Dedric

8.6.23 (Both) Twists & Turns: Reaching New Levels

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 08:00:03 GMT

Acts 11:1-18, I John 4:7-12

In many games, there are unexpected opportunities that appear. In video games, it may be a hidden level. In sports, it may be the chance to play professionally or on an all-star team. In the path of faith, Peter’s ministry shows us that God is always opening the door of faith to others, often leading us into unexpected relationships in unexpected places.

This Sunday at 9am Traditional & 11am Cross Connect, we conclude our sermon series, “Twists & Turns,” with Acts 11:1-18 (CEB). We will hear Peter’s experience of sharing the Gospel with Gentiles, which was initially met with skepticism by some Jewish believers. Peter explains how he receives a vision from God, showing that all people, regardless of their background, are accepted by Him. He then shares the Good News of Jesus Christ with Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and his household, witnessing the Holy Spirit descend upon them to confirm God's acceptance of the Gentiles.

As followers of Christ, we are called to value, respect, and love every individual, recognizing that they are created in the image of God. By doing so, we can foster a sense of community and understanding, regardless of differences. In the games we love and play, this principle becomes evident and transcends boundaries that might otherwise divide us.

A great reminder of our call to value, respect, and love all people can be found in I John 4:7-12 (CEB) . We truly reach “new levels” on our spiritual journey when we demonstrate the transformative power of God’s love by deepening our relationship with others.

Do me a favor, call someone and invite them to worship with you this Sunday!

Pastor Dedric

7.30.23 (Both) Twists & Turns: Getting in the Zone

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 08:15:01 GMT

Acts 2:22-24, 36-41, John 14:11-14

For the past few weeks, we have been following Peter's journey of faith in Jesus through all its ups & downs, its Twists & Turns. This Sunday, expect another shift for Peter as we dive deep into Acts 2:22-24, 36-41 . There, Peter is empowered by the Holy Spirit to do what needs to be done and say what needs to be said to further the Kingdom of God and share the life-changing Gospel with others.

This Sunday in both 9am Traditional and 11am Cross Connect, we will explore the step in Peter's faith journey when he & the Holy Spirit "get in the zone" and fulfill Jesus' promise in John 14:11-14 that disciples are intended to "do even greater works than [Jesus]." So get your game face on & come ready to worship, grow and "get in the zone"!

Can't wait to worship with you Sunday morning!

Pastor Carrie

7.23.23 (Both) Twists & Turns: Facing the Failures

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 08:00:00 GMT

John 13:31-31, 21:15-19

Trinity Family & Friends:

I hope you are enjoying our sermon series on Twists and Turns as much as I have these last few weeks. There is something extraordinary about the Apostle Peter’s story that not only inspires me, but it also challenges me to be a better disciple of Jesus.

As you know, we have been using the analogy of games and sports as a lens to examine the Gospel message. When we play games and sports, loss is always an option. How do we respond after a loss? Like Peter, we all have moments in our faith journey when we fail and fail hard. Thankfully, Jesus doesn't leave us in our failures. Through repentance, forgiveness, and transformation, God empowers our losses to strengthen us for growth and future success.

This Sunday at 9 am Traditional & 11 am Cross Connect, we will explore the story of Peter’s denial of Jesus as recorded in John 13:31-38 (CEB). This story is not just about Peter’s failure, it’s about the incredible grace and love that Jesus extended to him. Peter’s restoration in John 21:15-19 reminds us that no matter how far we may have fallen or how terrible our mistakes, Jesus is always ready to restore us. It also teaches us the importance of repentance. You see, even in his guilt and shame, Peter turned to Jesus to confess his shortcomings and acknowledge that he was ready to grow from his mistakes.

As we worship together this week, I hope we experience the power of God’s love offered to us through Jesus Christ in a new and profound way.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Dedric

7.16.23 (Both) Twists & Turns: Learning Necessary Skills

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 08:00:00 GMT

Matthew 14:22-33

Dear Trinity UMC,

I have been looking forward to my first days as your new Pastor of Engagement with great anticipation! I will be bringing my first message in both services this Sunday. It has been rewarding to work with Pastor Dedric and Pastor Carrie on sermon planning, sharing ideas and helping to shape the future plans that Dedric has laid out for Trinity.

Many of us are “experts” at something. An expert is a person with comprehensive or authoritative knowledge. Through a combination of education, experience and practice, we have mastered a specific skill or talent. Whether that expertise lies in nuclear physics or finance, building maintenance or creating recipes from scratch, I know that we have many experts here at Trinity!

When Jesus called Peter to be his disciple, he identified areas in which Peter was already an expert – namely fishing on the Sea of Galilee – but also helped Peter to grow beyond his existing skill set to master new skills that would be necessary for him to become an early church leader. There is a humility required when we accept a calling that Jesus has laid on our hearts. We may be experts in one area or another, but we often need to master new practices in order to live into the calling of Christ on our lives.

God is certainly willing to throw twists and turns at us in order to move us out of our comfort zones and into the ministry He has planned for us! What new skills would you need to learn in order to answer the calling that Christ has laid upon you? How do you think your existing skills may best be utilized in service to our church? And are you willing to humble yourself and learn new things in order to serve His kingdom? I look forward to joining you in worship!

In Truth,

Pastor Dale

7.9.23 (Both) Twists & Turns: Following Jesus Changes the Game

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 17:39:02 GMT

Luke 5:1-11

Do you like board games? Do you play a sport or maybe have a favorite team? Similar to life, the games we love and play can often be unpredictable, but when we follow Jesus, he will equip us for whatever lies ahead. This Sunday, in both services, we will begin a 5-week sermon series entitled “Twists & Turns: Following Jesus Changes the Game” where we will use the analogy of games and sports to examine the life of the most well-known disciple of Jesus, Simon Peter. Peter’s journey in becoming the strong, courageous, and wise leader of the church was not straightforward, but was filled with twists and turns, ups and downs, success and failure, yet Jesus continued to work in him and ultimately through him. I believe that in Peter, we see ourselves—a work in progress. No matter where we find ourselves on our spiritual journey, there is always room for us to grow.

To kick-off the series, I will be preaching on Peter’s Call Story from Luke 5:1-11 (CEB). In this miraculous story of the “big catch,” Peter recognizes Jesus’ holiness and his own sinfulness and his falls to Jesus’ knees. It is in that humble posture that he receives the greatest blessing of his life. In our lives, when we humble ourselves before God, acknowledging our need for Him, He can work wonders in and through us.

If you’re looking for some inspiration for your faith journey, this is a great time to “get in the game” and make sure you invite a friend to join you!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Dedric

7.2.23 The Power of Connection

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 20:37:03 GMT

John 15:1-5

Dear Trinity UMC:

For the first time, as your Senior Pastor, I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Words cannot express how excited and grateful I am for the opportunity to serve the people of God called Trinity United Methodist Church. I consider it a privilege and honor to journey alongside such a dynamic and mission-focused congregation. After much prayer and discernment for God’s will for my life, I sense that God has called me to this task. Trinity is a testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit at work within the Body of Christ to invite all to gather in love, grow in faith, and give back in joyful service.

As we begin our journey together, I pray that you will join me in renewing the vows that we each made as we entered church membership. We committed ourselves to the work of ministry by supporting the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. As we seek to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, let us live as people of expectation and hope by giving ourselves to the mission and ministries of Trinity.

This Sunday, in both services, we will focus on one of my favorite scriptures, John 15:1-5 . As Jesus prepares his disciples before his death and resurrection, he assures them that if they stay connected to him, they will bear much fruit. As we begin a new chapter at Trinity, we must remember the source of our strength is in our connection to the true vine. Simply put, there’s power in our connection! New beginnings often come with excitement and questions, but growing deeper in our connection to God and one another will equip us for the journey ahead.

Trinity has a vibrant history, an exciting present, and an even more promising future. I look forward to serving among you and joyfully anticipate what God has in store.

Overjoyed to be your pastor!

Pastor Dedric

6.18.23 (Both) It Comes Down to Grace

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 08:00:00 GMT

Ephesians 2:8-10, Acts 9:10-17

You probably have heard, at least officially, that salvation – based on trust, love, and loyalty – is not earned but given freely by God through Christ. But did you get other messages from the Church along the way? Were you ever told that you have to straighten up, fly right, get better grades, have good attendance, agree with church leaders, don’t be a bad girl or boy, and don’t hang out with the wrong kind of people? Which ‘message’ is the most influential in your life: salvation by grace (unearned love) or works righteousness?

We were taught to behave since we were born, and that’s important. Isn’t the world a better place because many were taught – and constrained! – to be good people? But can we behave our way into God’s heart?

How do you sort that out? How do you think God sorts that out? Does the Judge also give out grades for good behavior or just let everyone in, regardless? Love without discipline has sometimes been called “sloppy agapé.”

Let’s work through the way Paul presents it [ Ephesians 2:8-10 ].

I also am lifting up the story and Saul and Ananias [ Acts 9:10-17 ] with one of the most powerful and trajectory-changing two-word phases in the New Testament.

I look forward to seeing you in worship Sunday.

6.4.23 (Both) Lord, Teach Us to Pray: Forgive as We Forgive

Tue, 30 May 2023 12:36:18 GMT

Luke 6:37-41, Romans 8:24-27

The writer C. S. Lewis said that forgiveness is a lovely idea… until you have something to forgive. I think he’s right. When you’ve been hurt by another, you want to do anything but forgive. You want to enact revenge, nurture the hurt, psychologically protect yourself from the one who hurt you, and pick at the ‘scab’ until it bleeds again.

And yet here, in the midst of the Lord’s Prayer, we have the request to God that we be forgiven – as we forgive others!

This, of course, fits in with other teachings of Jesus [ Luke 6:37-41 ]. Jesus scandalously went about forgiving people, some of whom had not even asked to be forgiven. And he insisted that his followers do the same.

Think of all the things which make it difficult to forgive. Think of a particular person or event whose sting lingers with you. I knew a woman who seemed to be fixated on her ex-husband. Many topics the group talked about would bring to her mind something he had done to her or some negative character trait he had. She was in a negative orbit around him. She was not free. I may advise her not to have him active in her life again. Is there a difference between forgiveness and reconciliation? Nevertheless, does she need to be set free from him? Is there some other way to achieve that without forgiveness?

Now think of the first phrase – “Forgive us our sins.” Is there anything standing in the way of you receiving forgiveness? Perhaps you’ve done nothing that deserves formal forgiveness. Or, at least, not as bad as others… you could name! You’ve made some mistakes, surely, but you meant well. Nothing so wicked that would cost Jesus his life, surely.

What is required of us in order to receive forgiveness? Is it linked in any way to our giving forgiveness? What character traits do we need for that to happen [ Romans 8:24-27 ]?

I look forward to seeing you in worship Sunday.

5.28.23 (Both) Lord, Teach Us to Pray: Spirit Poured Out

Mon, 22 May 2023 08:00:00 GMT

Acts 2:1-8, 12-18, Romans 8:24-27

What are the “high holy days” of the Christian year? Easter is first, of course, and then probably Christmas Eve. John Wesley – the founder of the Methodist movement – thought that All Saints Day was up there. But certainly Pentecost, which we celebrate this Sunday.

Why? What difference do the events of Pentecost make in the Christian life? In your life?

Recall the events as shared in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles [ Acts 2:1-8, 12-18 ]. The followers of Jesus have experienced the death and resurrection of Jesus. The Lord has continued to teach and encourage them. And then he ascended into heaven, leaving them with the charge to spread the gospel to all nations.

Nevertheless, the Jesus followers are, on this day, huddled in a closed-up room, for fear of those who executed Jesus. But by the end of the day, they are testifying in the streets before thousands about the victory of God in Christ. What a difference!

What specifically made that difference? Is any aspect of that day still working in us today? How does any of that affect how we pray the Lord’s Prayer today?

It’s remarkable that Paul – Saint Paul – would admit to not having the words to say in prayer. Read what he has to say about those situations [ Romans 8:24-27 ].

I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday!

5.21.23 (Both) Lord, Teach Us to Pray: Our Daily Bread

Mon, 15 May 2023 15:39:54 GMT

Exodus 16:14-18, Luke 11:1-10

Are some things too insignificant to bring up when talking to God? I remember smiling when a youngster gives the mealtime prayer and thanks God for… everything – the people there, the food, the pets, their new shoes, the cool saltshakers – everything.

Do you think God tolerates such prayers or welcomes them? Does it matter whether the prayer was from a child or adult?

If we think outside our privileged shell, we realize that there are many on this planet – and in this town – who don’t have enough food, who have loved ones missing, who have neither pets nor shoes. Do we just assume we have these things and don’t thank God for them? I have never feared that I might not be able to eat that day. What would thanking God for my daily bread do to my perspective?

Of course, the phrase “daily bread” takes us back to the exodus/wilderness experience of Israel [ Exodus 16:14-18 ], when the people gathered just enough manna for THAT DAY – no more. If they collected more, it would rot before they could eat it.

(“Manna” means “what’s this?” They didn’t know, but that stuff kept them alive.)

Jesus is recorded teaching about prayer (and particularly what we call “The Lord’s Prayer”) in Luke [ Luke 11:1-10 ] as well as Matthew. In that prayer, Jesus teaches us to ask, “Give us the bread we need for today.” Does he mean only literally bread/food, or something more?

What do you pray for? What should you pray for? How important is listening to the devotion of prayer?

There are various translations of the Lord’s Prayer used in worship. Sunday we will repeat together, at the end of the sermon, one used around the world by English-speaking congregations.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday!

5.7.23 (Both) Lord, Teach Us to Pray: Holy Be Your Name

Mon, 01 May 2023 08:00:17 GMT

Exodus 20:1-7, Matthew 6:5-15

When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, what do you think they had in mind? What did they seek? What would you have had in your mind? What do you want Jesus to teach you about prayer?

Does learning to pray involve studying just the right words in order to get God’s attention? Is there a formula or technique? Is there some way to get God to do what you ask? Is asking for something – that which turns people to prayer so often – the Main Thing of prayer? If not, what is?

Some of the instructions for prayer we have in the Bible warn us what NOT to do. Check out Exodus 20:1-7 which not only warns us about idolatry — praying to other gods (to cover your bases) — but also not to use even the Lord’s name as if it’s not significant (“in vain” the older translation had it). What does that mean? What are the idols of today? How can one pray in a flippant manner or not take the Name seriously?

In the great Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives both warnings and advice [ Matthew 6:5-15 ]. What stands out to you? Does God like a bunch of words, flowery words, Bible-sounding words? What does the Lord ‘like’ and what difference does it make? Why do we think pastors have “an inroad to God,” as some people have told me? Are their prayers more effective?

Over the next few weeks we will be featuring, at the end of the sermons, different translations of the Lord’s Prayer used in worship. This Sunday, we go back to before the 1960s – a different translation from what we say today. It’s the version I first learned when I was four years old. Pray it now and discern the difference.

“Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.”

I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday!

Food for Thought Collection Sunday | In Person & Drive Thru | May 7

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 12:36:28 GMT

FOOD FOR THOUGHT “For I was hungry, and you gave me food” Matt. 25:35

May is the month that many of us think of as decoration month. For those of you that say “What is that?” It is where you go to cemetery where your loved ones are buried and put flowers on their tombstones / graves. It is a way of honoring them and letting them know just how much we love and miss them. This is something that I have been doing all my life and as I get older it makes me think / reminds me of how much Christ loves us and the many ways that he shows us this love.

In many ways, every month could be thought of as decoration month because Christ decorates us with His blessings each and every month. He also gives us opportunities to decorate others with these blessings. The Food for Thought mission project is one of those opportunities. The collection on May 7 will be going to Carolyn’s Cupboard at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and Huntsville Assistance Program (the bolded items go to both .) They are in need of:

cereal

oatmeal

peanut butter

jelly

instant potatoes

macaroni and cheese

hamburger helper

canned meat (SPAM, ham, etc.)

small bags of flour, sugar, corn meal

coffee

tea bags

kool aid

paper plates

paper napkins

toilet paper

For those of you that like to shop early our collection on June 4 will go to the food pantry at New Market United Methodist Church. They are in need of cereal, oatmeal, pop tarts, pancake mix, syrup, peanut butter, jelly, macaroni and cheese, hamburger helper, canned vegetables, canned meat (SPAM, ham, tuna, chicken, roast beef, etc.), canned spaghetti sauce, spaghetti noodles, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, pickles, olives, barbecue sauce, salad dressing, coffee, tea bags, kool aid, paper plates and paper napkins.

4.23.23 (Both) The Gift of Giving

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 08:00:02 GMT

Ecclesiastes 5:10-15, 2nd Corinthians 9:6-15

What do you remember that the various writers in the Bible say about money? That it is the “root of all evil”? Actually, it says that the “love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” ( 1st Timothy 6:10 ). Maybe you remember Jesus saying that it’s harder for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven that for a camel to go through the eye of a needle ( Matthew 20:3 .)

Do you wince even when someone asks about the connection between the Bible – or religion in general – and money? Why is the Bible so negative about money when we… are not? How can some Christians move from the Bible to voluntary poverty (nuns) while others move in an opposite, lavish direction in owning mansions and multiple jets by megachurch preachers?

Some basic questions and challenges from Scripture and from the Church focus on:

How did you make money? Was it ethical?
What are you doing with money? Investment, hoarding, and/or giving?
What is money doing to you?
What is money doing to others?

Is there a life-giving, scriptural approach to money? Can earning and giving money bring us a gift from God?

Look at the scriptures for this Sunday: Ecclesiastes 5:10-15 and 2nd Corinthians 9:6-15 . What might God be trying to tell you?

I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday!

4.9.23 (Both) EASTER: The World Turned Upside Down: A Different Ending

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 08:00:01 GMT

Matthew 28:1-10

Do conflicts between various accounts in the Bible lead you to doubt their credibility? Take the time to read all the accounts of the resurrection: Matthew 28:1-10 (our scripture for this week), Mark 16:1-8 , Luke 24:1-11 , and John 20:1-18 .

In each Gospel account, the core story is the same: the body of Jesus is placed in a tomb, one or more of Jesus’ female followers visit the tomb early on the Sunday morning following his crucifixion, and they find that the tomb is empty. They see a vision of either one or two angels who say that Jesus is risen.

Yes, they disagree on the timing, which women were at the tomb, how many angels were there, etc. So? I once spoke with a police officer who stated that, if various witnesses to a traffic accident all agreed in the details, he would suspect there had been some collusion. He would mistrust the account. We all see and experience things differently, especially when they are earth-shattering. We all place emphasis on different elements of the event, especially as we retell it to others.

What’s important to me is: what is your take-away? As you read the account, when do you stop and ponder? What strikes you this year with some impact, some power? Can you put yourself into the story somewhere to feel what it was like — the utter surprise, the underlining fear, the awesome amazement, the overwhelming joy, the calling to tell others?

What calls you to see things differently? To DO things differently? How is your world ‘upside down’ from this story?

I look forward to seeing you in worship in one of our three services this Sunday — the pivotal story of your faith, outstanding music, and a message of hope!

Food for Thought Collection Sunday | In Person & Drive Thru | Apr 2

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 08:00:06 GMT

FOOD FOR THOUGHT “For I was hungry and you gave me food…” Matt. 25:35

April is the month of new beginnings. One thing that comes to mind for me regarding new beginnings is the song “I Don’t Know About Tomorrow”. The song says “many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand but I know who holds my hand”. As we celebrate Easter, let us remember Christ died to save us from our sins and rose to be there for us in every aspect of our lives. Each day is a new beginning and Christ is always there for us holding us. May we rejoice in His outstanding love for us and show Him our gratitude by collecting a multitude of food to pass on to those in need.

The collection on April 2 will be going to Lacey’s Spring Share House and they are in need of:

cereal

pop tarts

oatmeal

canned vegetables

instant potatoes

macaroni and cheese

canned spaghetti sauce

spaghetti noodles

Vienna sausages

canned meat (SPAM, ham, etc.)

potato chips

mayonnaise

mustard

ketchup

coffee

tea bags

Kool Aid

paper plates

paper napkins

toilet paper

paper towels

laundry detergent

For those of you that like to shop early our next collection on May 7 will go to Carolyn’s Cupboard at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and they are in need of: cereal, oatmeal, peanut butter, jelly, instant potato’s, macaroni and cheese, hamburger helper, canned meat (SPAM, ham, etc.), small bags of flour, sugar, corn meal, coffee, tea bags, kool aid, paper plates, paper napkins and toilet paper.

3.26.23 (Both) The World Turned Upside Down: A Different Story

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 14:31:19 GMT

Matthew 20:1-16

As you re-read the story Jesus tells [ Matthew 20:1-16 ], pay attention to the character with whom you identify.

(Parables aren’t always analogies; they don’t always have a one-to-one relationship with the world – the ‘fox’ may not mean Herod, the ‘boat’ maybe isn’t really the Church, etc.)

Nevertheless, do you see yourself more as the laborers who were hired early and have been working in the hot sun all day? Were they treated fairly? Sure, the owner can do what he likes, but still – how will he get laborers in the future if he doesn’t properly reward hard work from people like you?

Do you identify with the laborers hired last, for only an hour or so? Do you feel lucky to have gotten paid so much and are inclined to get out of there before someone changes the owners’ mind?

Or do you identify with the owner, rightfully having the power to decide who gets paid what, even if on a whim?

In Jesus’ original audience, who do you think saw themselves as what? Who were the folks most likely to see themselves as having earned their place with God? Who saw themselves as just slipping in, grateful to receive anything?

What does this parable say about GOD? What does it say about “fair’ treatment? What does it say about PEOPLE – what are they like? How would modern media react if that story was told today? And what does it say about YOU?

How does this story – and Jesus’ ministry in general – turn the world upside down?

I look forward to seeing you in worship in either service this Sunday… and every Sunday in Lent.

3.12.23 (Both) The World Turned Upside Down: A Different Impact

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 14:04:28 GMT

John 6:15, Matthew 11:2-6, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-46

Have you ever been disappointed by the meager response to something you were doing? Of course, you have. You were hoping for a full turn-out for the party and, instead, just a few folks straggled in late. You don’t understand why other people are not as enthusiastic about something as you are. If you consider something to be a Big Deal, why are others treating it as… meh?

It might sound like blasphemy, but do you think Jesus was ever a disappointment to anyone? Many – many – were expecting the Messiah to ride in, gather an army, and kick out the Roman occupiers. You know, a Big Deal!

Instead, Jesus collected a few followers who travelled with him through the back alleys of that world, occasionally attracting big crowds for his teaching and healing. One crowd was even going to declare him king at one point and he slipped away [ John 6:15 ]!

Remember that we previously read that even Jesus’ relative, John the Baptist, had second thoughts. While in prison, John sent word to Jesus, asking, “Are you the One we’ve been waiting for or is there another?” [ Matthew 11:2-6 ]. Why wasn’t the Kingdom coming?

Partly in response to those unfulfilled expectations, Jesus tells some stories about the power of little things [ Matthew 13:31-33, 44-46 ]. Mustard seeds start very small and then grow into… an average-sized bush. What?

Yeast is also small but can have an impact on flour. Is that how the Kingdom of Heaven works? Small, almost ignorable, but makes an outsized impact. Think of those original few students of Jesus — what impact did they have?

Do you judge your own participation in the Kingdom by how impressive it is? Do you fail to do little because it is little? “I can’t do much. They won’t miss me.” Is it possible that Jesus views it differently?

I look forward to seeing you in worship Sunday… and every Sunday in Lent.

2.26.23 (Both) The World Turned Upside Down: A Different Hunger

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 15:03:51 GMT

Matthew 4:1-11

When are you most vulnerable to temptation?

Do those times have more to do with what is going on outside of you – the nature of the temptation – or more about what’s going on inside of you?

We tend to think some things out there are more tempting in an absolute way: chocolate is more tempting than liver & onions. But not to everyone! Some people don’t even like chocolate, though I advise them not to share that fact with others. (That revelation can raise suspicions in your friends!) And some people love liver & onions.

I don’t happen to like the taste of beer, so all those refreshing beer commercials don’t lure me. A Pepsi commercial, though, maybe. Can you think of a man (I can) or woman who is so crazy about their spouse that no other honey could tempt them? Can you think of parents who are so concerned about their sick child that the temptation of collapsing on the bed is just not as strong as the desire to stay with and comfort the kid?

Is it possible that the hunger for God and God’s ways can make someone’s soul somewhat ‘Teflon-coated’ — some temptations just don’t ‘stick’? What would that take for you?

In the Gospel account for this week [ Matthew 4:1-11 ], Jesus goes out to the wilderness in order to be tempted by the devil. The temptations seem designed for Jesus: he’s hungry, so bread would be good. He’s facing an uphill battle with religious leaders, so an impressive display of power would be good. And he’s come to claim kingship over the whole planet, so a quick path to control could be good. They’re all good.

Except God doesn’t want them. That settles it. Jesus’ hunger for God is greater than these seemingly good temptations.

Think of your usual defeats in facing temptation. Is there any counterweight against their pull on your appetites, lusts, fears, fantasies, habits, addictions? Please, it’s not simple! We didn’t get to where we are overnight and we won’t be set free through one spiritual insight.

But what is next for you as you seek Jesus’ view that turns your world upside down?

I look forward to seeing you in worship Sunday — in fact, every Sunday in Lent.

2.19.23 (Traditional) Perspective

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 12:39:17 GMT

Matthew 17:1-9, 2nd Peter 1:16-19

“That’s awesome, man!”

When was the last time you heard that… or said that? It’s one of the recent superlative adjectives, used by many, not just young people. They want to compliment something or someone which has impressed them with a kind of verbal exclamation point.

The people who use the word don’t mean it — whether “it” was a sunset, concert, or hamburger — stirred awe within them. They didn’t walk away dumbfounded or shaken or enlightened or in love. Or even in fear, as the original meaning had it (Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”). They just mean it was… pretty good.

I feel old when I challenge folks about this, like a picky English teacher.

But I still put forth the question, “If you use all your verbal gunpowder on middling things, what words will you have left for truly awe-inspiring experiences?” Such as, “We just stopped in our tracks and gazed at the gorgeous sunset. It was awesome!” “Oh, like the hamburger you had for lunch?”

When was the last time you were truly awestruck? A time when a prayer rose out of your heart in gratitude for having been in that moment? Did you try to describe that moment to someone else? Could you?

So, a little sympathy for Peter in this scene on the mountaintop [ Matthew 17:1-9 ], called by the church the Transfiguration . Peter was at least trying to respond. He had never experienced anything like this, nor even heard of something like this. The Lord didn’t correct him; God just went on with speaking and Peter shut up. It was much later that Peter could put it all into words [ 2nd Peter 1:16-19 ].

It gave the inner circle of disciples an acute realization of who they were dealing with; some perspective on what was important and maybe what wasn’t.

What’s truly important to you? How do you show it? Do you come to worship with a ho-hum approach, hoping that the hour is at least entertaining? Or do you approach with awe? Is it two-dimensional or does it rise? Do you ever tell anyone about what you experience?

See you Sunday!

2.12.23 (Traditional) The Anger You Have and the Anger That Has You

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 13:58:25 GMT

1st Corinthians 3:1-6, Matthew 5:21-24

This is one of those rare times when the title of the sermon gives away the punchline. So spoiler alert! Sometimes it seems like we have anger – “we got angry”— but often it seems like anger has us.

When is it OK to get angry and when is it not? Does it have to do with the subject – who is doing what to whom for what reason? Something that is morally wrong or just very much against what I want? Is there such a thing as ‘righteous anger’? Does God get mad; did Jesus? Yes, on those. What raises divine anger? Not what you might expect.

In contrast, Paul urges the congregation in Corinth to grow up! [ 1st Corinthians 3:1-6 ] People are acting like babies, with jealousy and fighting. Like toddlers throwing a tantrum. Why do we indulge those behaviors in ourselves when we wouldn’t indulge them in others?

Jesus also warns us of those attitudes and the anger they spawn [ Matthew 5:21-24 ].

Can you – or do you – control your anger? Or is it like having a pet… dragon on a leash? Do you control it or does it control you? What role does God play in all of that?

See you Sunday!

2.5.23 (Traditional) Not the Time to Coast: give back with joyful service

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 13:47:58 GMT

Isaiah 58:5-10, Matthew 5:13-16

I’ve had a lot a birthdays and not that many birthday parties. My birthday is at the start of summer and there were times when friends used it as an excuse for a start-of-summer-break party or the come-back-from-college party.

Nevertheless, I don’t remember a single birthday party, except the ones my wife threw each decade. (OK, smarties, it’s not because I’ve had so many birthdays and just can’t remember much of anything!)

But I remember every mission trip I’ve gone on. The ones far away and the ones close. The ones where the work was difficult and the environment harsh. Especially those. And when I recount them to others, look at my face: I’m smiling.

Think back to your involvement in serving. Did you view it as drudgery, a heavy obligation, a boy-am-I-glad-that’s-over-with experience? No? Does a smile come to your face? It seems we forget that easily, though.

Why do you think that Trinity’s Vision attaches joy to Giving Back? Why does serving bring joy? Don’t all the commercials attach joy (and en-joyment) to… getting? The diamonds, car, computer game, beer?

Is there something about how we are made that means we delight in being able to benefit others? Especially for Christians?

Isaiah 58:5-10 talks about God not seeking fancy religious acts, but pays attention to how we treat others, especially those who are lowly. Is that how we normally act, even in church?

Then Jesus talks about [in Matthew 5:13-16 ] how we are the seasoning and illumination of the world. We’re not to be salt kept in salt shakers or light hidden under a basket. We’re supposed to get out there and make a difference!

Personally, I much rather be serving the punch than sitting at the head table. Is that true with you? Why do we keep forgetting that?

See you Sunday!

Food for Thought Collection Sunday | In Person & Drive Thru | Feb 5

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 09:00:00 GMT

FOOD FOR THOUGHT “For I was hungry, and you gave me food” Matt. 25:35

February is thought of as the month of love. In the Old King James Version of the Bible the word love is mentioned 310 times. In the New American Standard Version, the word love is mentioned 348 times. In the New International Version, the word love is mentioned 551 times. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8a says Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way. It is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. To me this says, as Christ disciples He wants us to be understanding, generous, kind, compatible, happy, forgiving and rejoicing with truth as we show love. Think of how many times we invite or go out to eat with friends and family and how we are showing our love through preparing the food or buying the food. We have many single people, families and homeless people that get food from the two pantries that we supply. We can also show love to these people when we make our food purchases. This collection on February 5 will be going to Lacey’s Spring Share House and they are in need of:

cereal

pop tarts

pancake mix

syrup

peanut butter

jelly

canned vegetables

all types of pasta,

Hamburger Helper

seasoning packets (for meatloaf, chili, etc.)

Vienna sausages

canned meat

chips

Little Debbie snack cakes

small bags of sugar, flour, corn meal, and bread crumbs

powdered milk

For those of you that like to shop early our next collection on March 5 will go to Carolyn’s Cupboard at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and they are in need of:

jelly

canned spaghetti sauce

spaghetti noodles

ravioli

beanie weanies

Spam

Vienna sausages

any meat or vegetables with pop top lids

Collection goes in the lobby bins on, or at the drive thru from 1 - 3 pm on Sunday, February 5.

Show your love this month by filling the bins!

1.29.22 (Traditional) Not the Time to Coast: grow in faith

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 17:10:22 GMT

Micah 6:6-8, 1st Corinthians 1:18-25

The man said: “We don’t do that around here! I should know; I have been a member of this church for thirty years!”

Me: “How great! That kind of devotion and loyalty mean something. So, does long membership mean you’re thirty years closer to Jesus? Thirty years closer to resembling him and reflecting his character? None of us is perfect, but have you noticed some personal growth?”

Him: “What?”

A challenge to myself: “Mitchell, you’ve been a pastor for over 40 years, have you spent these decades going through the motions, learning stuff but not putting it into practice, basically coasting?”

Reader: what about you? Have you seen personal spiritual growth in yourself? What would be the signs?

Let’s start with something basic, like how are you at “doing justice, embracing faithful love, and walking humbly with your God” [ Micah 6:6-8 ]? Over the last, say, 15 years, have you gotten better at all of that?

Sometimes — especially here in one of the most degreed cities in America — we conflate discipleship & spiritual growth with education. We fill our heads with data and history and theology and then we think we’re done. But doesn’t discipleship mean more than just what goes into the head? Doesn’t it have to do also with one’s heart, soul, will, and even body? Check out what Paul — a very educated man — wrote about the learned and the intelligent [ 1st Corinthians 1:18-25 ].

So, what are signs you would look for in your own life that would indicate growth? New or developed spiritual habits such as daily Bible study, regular prayer, generous giving, faithful worship? Personal characteristics such as increased patience, further resistance to temptation, listening more than you talk? Increased love — for those you normally wouldn’t have given the time of day?

Make a list as if you were helping someone else rate themselves, then apply it to you. And then start doing something about it. A year from today, will you be grateful you started something now… or will be grateful you put it off?

See you Sunday!

1.22.23 (Traditional) Not the Time to Coast: gather in love

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 23:02:19 GMT

1st Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23

It was time to go to grandma’s. Why do you go? Because the whole family is going and it doesn’t matter how you feel about that? Because you love going to her place, so of course? Because it’s a family obligation — this is just what we all do?

It’s Sunday, why do you go to worship? Is it an obligation? Is that what good people do and you’re a good person? Are certain people looking forward to you being there and will miss you if you don’t make it? Is that where you fin love at a deep level?

Is that where you can give love in a way that’s kind of cool—to welcome, to ask about people you know have struggles, to sing and pray and listen for God together?

You know, in my opinion, it’s not a bad thing to go out of obligation. Not every Sunday will be life-changing. But you do things today because they will probably pay off in the future. Not so you’ll go to heaven. God doesn’t give out brownie points that add up to eternal life. But what difference may it make if you worship regularly? What difference has it made?

How are we supposed to do church when we get there? Are we to act like a movie critic, grading what everyone else does but never wondering, “What am I supposed to be doing? Is this all about me and my enjoyment – or lack thereof?”

Paul writes [ 1st Corinthians 1:10-18 ] about rival groups which have tainted the whole congregation. Am I even partially responsible for guests at church picking up the ‘smell’ of divisiveness?

Jesus [in Matthew 4:12-23 ] points out how we fish for people together. How am a part of how people are welcomed and how they have the love of God shared with them?

Will these questions affect how we prepare for worship this Sunday – other than just getting there? Will I decide now how often I will worship with the congregation or will I just go with whims on Sunday morning?

See you Sunday!

1.15.23 (Traditional) Not the Time to Coast: invite all

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 09:00:01 GMT

1st Corinthians 1:4-9, John 1:35-42

A lot of people are tired after the holidays – all that huffing and puffing to get everything done and bought and cooked and organized and scheduled. Add to all of that the malaise we feel as we sludge through the pandemic and politics and car repairs and… Whew!

Maybe we can finally find the time to relax, veg out, take it easy, coast. For instance, I spent some time at the church building wondering where I could hang a hammock. (I found the perfect, secret place.)

There is certainly a solid argument for pulling back and resting every now and then — a weekly Sabbath is commanded even (Exodus 20:8-11). But do you know of a case where someone ‘coasted’ uphill? People coast downhill. They lose ground, fall, slip, let go of goals, and end up worse than where they started.

Is there a difference between legitimately needed rest and spiritual laziness?

Maybe 2023 is not the time to find your own spiritual ‘hammock.’ It’s not the time to coast. Instead, maybe it’s your window of opportunity to rise. To rise to the occasion. To rise to the challenge. To make the most of what’s within you and around you and above you.

The challenge that Trinity has put before those who take part in it’s worship and ministries is — in the words of our Vision – to “invite all to gather in love, grow in faith, and give back in joyful service.” What of this is your challenge for 2023?

To invite? “No, I couldn’t do that! I don’t know how. What if they ask me a question I don’t have the answer for? I’m too shy. I’ll just let everyone else do that and I’ll just… coast.”

In 1st Corinthians 1:4-9 , Paul writes about how we have everything we need to move forward, every spiritual gift necessary to make a difference. In John 1:35-42 , Jesus and his follower use simple invitations, like “Come and see,” and “We think we’ve found him.”

What can we learn about our call so that we no longer shirk our duty to invite all? How can we rise to the occasion?

See you Sunday!

1.8.23 (Traditional) Remember Who You Are

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 09:00:09 GMT

Matthew 3:13-17, Acts 10:34-38

Who gets to tell you who you are?

It might be easier to remember who used to have that authority in your life. Maybe it was your family – whether they treated you someone special or as a burden, you got the message. They acted as your ‘mirror,’ in a way, reflecting how they viewed you with such power that you might still be living with those issues, for good or for bad.

You may have given authority over your self-identity to other adults, friends, the cool kids at school, even the church. Would you like to take that power away from them? Would you give it to anyone else?

My wife has that kind of power — not “over” me, but “for” me. Because of her love, I know I belong, I am safe, I am wanted. I also have some friends who can affect me deeply. Who tells you who you are?

And the Lord. Jesus has claimed me. That doesn’t mean I’m somebody special; it’s just that I’m special to him. That identity was given to me when I was baptized and it hasn’t gone away.

Sunday, we will focus on Jesus’ baptism [ Matthew 3:13-17 ] — who told Jesus who he was — and what that could mean for us [ Acts 10:34-38 ]. We’ll also deal with the Methodist view of Baptism.

See you there!

Food for Thought Collection Sunday | In Person & Drive Thru | Jan 1 & 8

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 09:00:06 GMT

FOOD FOR THOUGHT “For I was hungry, and you gave me food” Matt. 25:35

As we begin a new year, let us reflect on how the Lord blessed us in the past and how we can move forward in 2023. The Lord put the thought of this mission project on the minds of Susan Hively and myself twenty plus years ago Unfortunately, Susan passed away this year and it is with a sad yet joyful heart that I continue this project without her. I know that she is always with the project (and me) in spirit and is watching over it with her loving, caring heart. She and I spoke many times of how Food for Thought blesses both of us – knowing that because we started the program and your diligence in contributing we have given the gift of nourishment to many single people and families that might otherwise have gone hungry. We have been told that because of our assistance, we have opened the hearts of many of the recipients and enabled them to see that there are disciples of Christ in this world doing His good works. Thus causing them to reflect on their situation and helping them to get back on their feet and letting them pay it forward for others that are now in a bad situation. With this in mind let us start this new year off by doing as Christ said “when you do for the least of these you are doing for me.”

May we begin 2023 by filling all six bins with non-perishable food items that will bring sustenance to those in need as well as thought provoking ideas that cause us to pause and remember how the Lord has blessed us and how we can bless others. This blog is being posted a week early, so it doesn't get lost in all the hustle & bustle of this Advent/Christmas season. This collection on January 1 will be going to Carolyn’s Cupboard at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and they are in need of:

oatmeal

cereal

pop tarts

canned vegetables

canned meat

hamburger helper

soup

crackers

cooking oil

rice

dried beans

tea bags

kool aid

coffee

(Always remember these are needed items but all contributions are greatly appreciated.)

Note: There will not be a drive thrU collection on January 1 - it will be held on January 8.

For those of you that like to shop early our next collection on February 5 will go to Lacey’s Spring Share House and they are in need of:

cereal

pop tarts

pancake mix

syrup

peanut butter

jelly

canned vegetables

all types of pasta

Hamburger Helper

seasoning packets (for meatloaf, chili, etc.)

Vienna sausages

canned meat

chips

Little Debbie snack cakes

small bags of sugar, flour, corn meal and bread crumb

powdered milk

Thank you.

12.18.22 (Traditional) Let Earth Receive Her King– in our common days

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 12:47:08 GMT

Matthew 1:18-25

You’ve seen Jeremiah quoted about God’s plans: “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). That has provided so much encouragement to so many. It seems strange that a culture so filled with Christians would still wonder if God is for them… or is just waiting for them to mess up in order to lower the boom. God wants to give us a future with hope!

Something I hadn’t noticed until recently is that the thing God has for us is plural: “the plans I have…” What does it mean that there are multiple plans? Are we going to do a lot of stuff together with God. Or could it be that there is a ‘Plan A’ and then a ‘Plan B’ if it’s needed? Perhaps we want a firm future we understand and can count on, not something that adjusts over time.

Joseph [ Matthew 1:18-25 ] probably had a plan to continue in the construction business and wed Mary, promised to him for years. Then he hears she’s pregnant and it’s not his baby! The culture and the law brings condemnation on her.

Joseph decides to move quietly because he is a “righteous man” What does that mean? He does the right thing as graciously as he can? But God has a different plan for him, way out of the box. Later he will be told (once again, in a dream) to take Mary and Jesus and flee as refugees to another country. Wow.

Note that this is not during a religious festival and it doesn’t occur in the temple. This happens in Joseph’s common life. Wherever and whenever he is. Are we as open to the Lord invading our common days as calling us to something out of the box? Would God call me to do the expected, right thing… or something else God needs doing, whether or not the culture and even the religion has taught me that.

What is the Lord asking from you?

As always, I would really love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here .

12.11.22 (Traditional) Let Earth Receive Her King — to heal

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 17:54:50 GMT

Isaiah 35:1-6, Matthew 11:2-11

Last week I spoke about how John the Baptist urges us to remove the rubbish from our individual lives, to prepare the way of the Lord, and to allow God to cure our deep-seated ills. Even if that means allowing Christ to cut down the trees that bear no good fruit.

This Sunday, we focus on how the Lord heals the people, the world.

There is much that is broken in our world, do you agree? In fact, do you believe that the world is unredeemable? You’re not surprised when people taint and spoil even the nicest things in life. That, no matter how bad it is, it can – and will – get worse?

It doesn’t seem to matter how often heroes come along, we human beings seem to have the innate desire to knock these special ones off their pedestals, undo or ignore whatever good they have done, and continue on with our rotten lives and culture. Wars, political corruption, decadence, conspiracy theories, and even harming nature. That which is supposed to be about US ALL, is turned into ‘WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?’

Yet the dream for healing of our world continues, found this Sunday in the prophet Isaiah [ Isaiah 35:1-6 ].

Even though John the Baptist had proclaimed about Jesus, once he was in prison, he begins to wonder, possibly to doubt. Maybe his cousin Jesus is not doing things as John would have done them. He asks, “Is Jesus the One we’ve been waiting on, or should we wait for another?” [ Matthew 11:2-11 ]

Jesus responds by quoting Isaiah and others, connecting the dots to what is happening in his ministry.

What would be sufficient proof for you to decide if someone is the messiah or not? Would it make a difference if the ‘anointed one’ agreed with your politics or social principles? What or Who is truly capable of healing our land, our people, the planet? What would it take for you to “receive your King”? If you already believe Jesus is the King, does your life line up with what Jesus said to John’s ambassadors? Do you support those who do? Are we leaving a Christmas gift unopened? When can you sing:

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King…”?

As always, I would really love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here .

12.4.22 (Traditional) Let Earth Receive Her King — to cure our ways

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 21:51:16 GMT

Matthew 3:1-12, Isaiah 11:1-10

One of our adult Sunday School classes study the daily devotions in the book The Upper Room Disciplines. One this week (written by Ben Yoshua-Davis) wondered about what John the Baptist felt about being just a warm-up act for Jesus [ Matthew 3:1-12 ], a prelude, setting the stage.

Most of us see ourselves as the star of our show, making all those around us to be supporting actors. It was the birth of the author’s first child – with little sleep or even less control – that convinced him that he was no longer the star. Ben was the warm-up act for the next generation not just the recipient of what past generations had done.

John the Baptist cried, “Prepare the way of the Lord!” What role does he play in your preparations for Christmas? We’ve heard the challenge to “put Christ back into Christmas.” I’ve never hear anyone recommend putting “John the Baptist back into Christmas.” What’s he doing here?

Part of it is because of the Lectionary , a three-year calendar of scriptures shared by many denominations around the world. It includes something about John during Advent each year. It seems to say, “You can’t get to Jesus without first taking into account his cousin’s proclamation.”

Is that really necessary? Do we have to have his scorched-earth approach to sins? Do we really need to “repent” or can we just add Christ back in somehow, a little bit at a time? We could do all the cultural celebrations and then throw in a carol on top, right? Kind of like adding nutmeg (or pumpkin spice!) to the recipe?

Well, turns out, No. What the Lord is after is not just a tweak here and there to our lifestyle or a religious addition to our schedule, God wants to go deep and cure us of our ills… which have turned out to be more chronic than we usually admit.

But even if John’s “axe” cuts us down to a mere stump, a shoot of Jesse will spring up to bring life [ Isaiah 11:1-10 ]. Don’t give up hope.

What problems do we have and how chronic are they? What’s the ‘cure’?

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King…”

As always, I would really love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here .

Food for Thought Collection Sunday | In Person & Drive Thru | Dec 4

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 12:46:37 GMT

FOOD FOR THOUGHT “For I was hungry, and you gave me food” Matt. 25:35

Last year at this time, I wrote about how my mother began a tradition when I was a child that involved our immediate family preparing a full blown Thanksgiving meal as well as gathering groceries that would last a family of four for approximately a month. We would then deliver it to a family that wasn’t as fortunate. This was her way of teaching us to share the blessings that the Lord had bestowed upon us. We started this tradition at Thanksgiving; however, it is one that we carried over to Christmas as well. This is a tradition that we continued with our daughter and as our grandchildren are growing up it is one that we are continuing with them. It is so fun to take them to the grocery store and let them pick out items that they think the family needs as well as a few luxury items that they feel the family would enjoy. I tell this to you to give you a suggestion of starting this tradition with your family. As a starting point, if you can’t provide a full blown meal provide a few necessary ingredients so that a family that isn’t as fortunate can prepare a meal that is fit for a king. The Lord blesses us and this is a wonderful way for us to bless others.

The collection this month goes to Share House at Lacey Springs United Methodist Church and they are in need of:

Cereal

Pancake Mix

Syrup

Canned meat (tuna, ham, chicken, etc.)

Soup (Cream of Mushroom would be appreciated)

Hamburger Helper

Ravioli / Spaghetti and Meatballs (with pop top lids)

Canned Vegetables (Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans)

French Fried Onions

Cranberry Sauce

Stuffing

Cornbread / Bread Mix

Marshmallows

Candy (For Stocking Stuffers)

Tea and Coffee

Juice

For those of you that like to shop early next month’s collection on January 1 will go to Carolyn’s Cupboard at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and they are in need of the following:

Oatmeal

Cereal

Pop Tarts

Canned Vegetables

Canned Meat

Hamburger Helper

Soup

Crackers

Cooking Oil

Rice

Dried Beans

Tea Bags

Kool Aid

Coffee

(Always remember these are needed items but all contributions are greatly appreciated.)

Thank you for making this mission project such a huge success.

11.27.22 (Traditional) Let Earth Receive Her King — to shine the light

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 16:06:33 GMT

Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14

Sunday is the beginning of the Christian four-week season of Advent — a holy time of preparation for the remembrance of Christ’s birth… and anticipation of his final return. Many Americans spend a lot of time and money and fuss on getting homes and kitchens and schedules ready for the event of Christmas. Advent invites us to get our souls and world ready for the coming Christ Child.

The theme in the traditional services picks up a line from a Christmas carol:

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King…”

What keeps you from being ready and willing to receive your king?

Isaiah 2:1-5 envisions a future where people stream to Jerusalem to learn God’s ways. In response, they beat their swords into plows, refuse to learn war, and people walk by the light of the Lord. How much change would that require? How prepared are we to even want to make such changes? What does the light of the Lord illumine about our world — including the world we have inside us?

Romans 13:11-14 warns that our night is nearly over and we Christians should act like it, to act as those people in the Light, not as those who hope their doings are cloaked in darkness. Just as anxiety tends to make us half awake when we sleep, we seem to be half asleep when we are supposed to be awake.

What would it mean to you — your church, job, family — to fully receive the Light, to receive your King?

I hope to see you this Sunday as we gather together. I urge those who are able to shake off fears and inertia to actually come be a part of worship. I’m grateful for the live-streaming (and all those who make it possible), but it’s just not the same as the warmth and lift you get in-person.

As always, I would really love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here .

11.20.22 (Traditional) Invested in the Practice of Gratitude

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 09:00:06 GMT

Psalm 100, Philippians 4:4-9

Is gratitude a thing of the moment for you? It’s something you feel occasionally when things are right — or enough right — that it pleases you?

Is gratitude most often a response to pleasant stimuli? “Isn’t the moon beautiful tonight!” “I really enjoyed that meal/game/movie.” “We made it on time, after all.”

Also, is gratitude ephemeral – fading after the moment has passed? There’s that moment that you realized that the headache you had is now gone, but are you still grateful an hour later?

In contrast, what would it mean to ‘practice’ gratitude? ‘Practice’ could mean ‘rehearse,’ where you cover the material or actions ahead of time so that you are ready when the moment is right. For instance, actors and musicians practice their parts for the musical. Likewise, Christians could rehearse the goodness of God ahead of time, like memorizing scripture. (Many folks my age memorized the KJV of Psalm 100 .) You can pull out a scripture anytime the moment is ripe. You know it; you’ve practiced it. What have you practiced in this way?

There is another meaning of practice – like putting what you’ve learned into practice, even extending it into a whole career, like a medical practice or the practice of law. That’s closer to the admonitions of Philippians 4:4-9 . What gladness, gentleness, peace, excellence, and the like have you practiced?

What could you start doing this very week (not just on Thursday), that could lead to a lifetime of gratitude?

As always, I would really love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here .

11.13.22 (Traditional) Invested in God’s Values

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 09:00:02 GMT

Luke 6:20-31, 2nd Corinthians 9:6-11

Have you ever been reading the Bible or listening to a sermon and thought to yourself, “Man, I really don’t agree with that! God thinks in weird ways. God has different values than I have.” (Realistically, have you and I ever been so honest as to admit we disagree with God? Most of the time, don’t we slide over it, put it out of our minds, place the blame for any disagreement on someone other than ourselves? Or, if we think we’ve NEVER disagreed with God, what does that say about us and our ego and our ability to pay attention to contrary things?)

What do you do whenever you’re honest? Place the matter on a ‘back burner’ and tell yourself you’ll get back to the issue someday? You’re a basically good person. So any conflict must not be that important?

What if we just spent twenty minutes Sunday and really looked at that? In a major sermon [ Luke 6:20-31 ], Jesus states some very counter-intuitive beatitudes (blessings). In contrast, what does the world say? (Fill in the blanks.) Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor.” The world says, “Blessed are ________.” Jesus: How terrible for you when all speak well of you.” The world: “How terrible when ______.” Jesus: “Love your enemies.” The world: “_______ your enemies.”

Also, in 2nd Corinthians 9:6-11 , Paul says “God will make us rich in every way so that we will be generous in every way.” What does the world say?

What do YOU say? How do you live your life? What proof do we show that we think Jesus is Lord… as opposed to everyone else being in charge?

As always, I would really love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here .

11.6.22 (Traditional) Invested in Hope

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 17:42:58 GMT

Ephesians 1:17-23, Luke 19:1-10

This weekend we celebrate All Saints Sunday. What saints do you know about? The 13th century mystic St. Francis of Assisi ? The 3rd century bishop St Nicholas we know in America at Santa Claus? Is it someone pictured in stained glass? A “patron” of a particular group of people?

What saint do you know personally? Is that a little more difficult to name? Well, just what constitutes a “saint”? Is it someone who is perfect, exceptionally holy and good, a great role model, and someone whose prayers are answered? Is it someone recognized by the Church and singled out for healing powers?

What if it wasn’t necessarily any of those things?

(Of course, in the South especially, we refer to a kind, enduring, and helpful person that way: “Margaret is such a saint.”)

In a similar way to the term “holy” in the Bible, a saint is simply someone set apart for God’s use. In the way that Paul uses the term in his letters, it includes YOU… and ALL other followers of Jesus Christ.

If the saints of the past can see us today, what hope would they have for us to fulfill? Are we living out lives in such a way so as to lean forward into hope? Invest in hope? What hopes do we have for the saints of the future?

Ephesians 1:17-23 is a prayer for us to be able to discern a future with hope. The life-changing visit by Jesus to Zacchaeus [ Luke 19:1-10 ] demonstrates the power of inclusion for the future for this one man and the community.

As always, I would really love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here .

Food for Thought Collection Sunday | In Person Nov 6 & 13 | Drive Thru Nov 13

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 08:00:01 GMT

FOOD FOR THOUGHT “For I was hungry, and you gave me food” Matt. 25:35

It is with a grateful yet heavy heart that I write this article. Susan Hively, my Co-Chair/Partner from day one of this mission programs existence passed away on September 24. Many of you know the story of how Food for Thought started, we both felt the Lord speaking to us and telling us to feed the hungry in our community. The thing that you don’t know is that this was the first time that she and I met and how much this mission project helped both of us to learn from each other and to be open to ways to hear the Lord. Food for Thought was a passion for her and one that she embraced with love and care for others. I often told her that she put others before herself and always had a hand reaching out to help others and she would say “that is the same of you, I think that is why we work so well together.” If neither one of us had listened, we might never have met and gotten this mission project started. I say all this to hopefully speak to your heart and help you to listen when the Lord speaks to you. With Thanksgiving upon us let us follow by example and reach our hands out to the many people needing assistance by providing sustenance to others. Let us honor Susan by filling as many bins as possible.

This month’s collection is on two Sundays, November 6 & 13, with the drive thru on November 13 . Remember that bins are in place throughout the entire month at the Wesley Hall entrance, the Narthex and the New Room lobby for you to drop off your donation anytime during the week. Our collection goes to Carolyn’s Cupboard at St. Paul’s United Methodist church and they are in need of:

Cereal

Pancake Mix

Syrup

Canned meat (Vienna sausages, chicken, tuna)

Canned vegetables

Cranberry Sauce

Stuffing

Corn bread mix

Canned fruit

Powdered milk

Kool Aid

Toilet Paper

Dish Detergent

For those of you that like to shop ahead, the December 4 collection will go to Lacey Spring’s United Methodist Church Share House and they are in need of:

Cereal

Pancake Mix

Syrup

Canned meat (tuna, ham, chicken, etc.)

Hamburger Helper

Ravioli / Spaghetti and Meatballs (with pop top lids)

Canned Vegetables

Cranberry Sauce

Stuffing

Cornbread / Bread Mix

Tea and Coffee

Juice

No glass containers, please.

10.30.22 (Traditional) Invested in Righteousness

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 12:39:59 GMT

2nd Timothy 4:6-8, Luke 18:9-14

What do you think about when you hear the word “righteous”? Someone who is upright and law-abiding, someone you can count on to do the right thing? It used to be a dude’s compliment: “That guitar solo was righteous, man!”

Or, perhaps, you tack on a common modifier to make the term: “self-righteous,” which rots away anything good about the word.

How do you become righteous; how do you participate in righteousness? Then, how do you avoid being self-righteous?

We have two contrasting scriptures for Sunday. In 2nd Timothy 4:6-8 , Paul speaks about the coming end for him and how he has kept the faith and risked everything for the Lord. He is confident that God considers him righteous.

But also, Jesus tells the story [ Luke 18:9-14 ] of one who is confident that he righteous, especially compared to a tax collector! That is a no-brainer, actually. A tax collector wrung money out of his countrymen in order to pay for the Roman occupation. He is a traitor. The very essence of the term “sinner.”

If the Pharisee was wrong to call himself righteous, is Paul equally as wrong? Why is the tax collector justified?

By the way, Sunday is celebrated by Protestants around the world as Reformation Sundayhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformation_Day. How does that affect how we view the matter of righteousness?

As always, I would really love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here .

10.23.22 (Traditional) Invested in the Word

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 08:00:00 GMT

Jeremiah 31:31-34, 2nd Timothy 3:14-17

Do you own a Bible? (If you don’t, we’ll give you one.) Polls say that about 85% of Americans do. In fact, the average household has four copies lying around. (Quick: where are all the Bibles in your place?)

Now, do you actually get around to reading it? Again, polls indicate that half of the folks who own a Bible read it three-four times… a YEAR! Others read it less often than that.

So, what can we surmise from this? Perhaps many people value/honor/revere the Bible – they would feel wrong if they didn’t have one around somewhere – but they don’t actually consult it, much less study it. Why not?

Maybe they tried before and found the language difficult to plow through. (Consult this brief comparison of the various translations and paraphrases. By the way, we typically use the Common English Bible in worship.)

Maybe the Bible doesn’t seem to be about the concerns of the reader but about whatever God wanted to discuss. Perhaps some parts were violent or otherwise against the character of Christ, so they threw it aside.

What is the goal here, after all? Being able to win a Bible Trivia Contest? Getting a quick word of guidance or comfort? Feeling religious?

What if our goal of regularly studying the Bible was to come in contact with the Word of God, namely Christ (John 1:14)? What if our investment in that living encounter with Christ shaped our hearts over time, even if it didn’t ‘pay off’ right away?

The Old Testament passage for this Sunday [ Jeremiah 31:31-34 ] has God promising to write a covenant on our hearts. What would that be like? In the New Testament passage [ 2nd Timothy 3:14-17 ], Paul coins a term to try to convey what’s going on in the Old Testament (they didn’t have New Testament scripture yet, of course). He writes that it is “inspired” or “God-breathed.” What can that mean?

What would you do differently if you were invested in “the Word”?

As always, I would really love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here .

10.16.22 (Traditional) Invested Where You Are

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 08:00:09 GMT

Jeremiah 29:4-7, Psalm 137, Luke 17:11-19

This Sunday we start a new worship series entitled “Invested.” That might trigger thoughts of money — one might “invest” in certain stocks and bonds, for instance — but that’s not the aim here. Think rather, about how you can invest your time and effort and heart into something and then later decide whether or not it was worth that investment.

“I can’t believe I wasted so many years in that relationship!”

“I guess the boss is never going to reward all my work.”

“That movie robbed me of two hours I’m never going to get back.”

Or, it could be an investment that paid off: “That time together really made a difference; we’re like best friends now.”

“That trip to Greece was the best! Let me show you the pictures.”

“I feel like a new woman!”

“I’m glad my brother and I are talking again.”

So, the recurring question is, Into what/whom are you investing yourself? The first week deals with all that is around you. Some of you have lived in different places. I know some “Army brats” who chose one of two basic approaches: 1. We’re not going to be here long, so don’t get too involved because that just means a painful goodbye or 2. We’re not here long so let’s dive in right away.

Which one are you? Is it scary to dive in? Does it seem disloyal to old friends to make new ones? Do you feel like an alien when no one else around you pulls for the same teams, wear the same clothes, or votes like you?

In the Old Testament, we have instructions from the prophet [ Jeremiah 29:4-7 ] about what to do when you’re dragged off to a foreign land after losing a war. Can you be faithful to God without the ways of your old world? (Check out the lament and bitterness of Psalm 137 !)

In the Gospel reading [ Luke 17:11-19 ], we have a Samaritan foreigner tossed in with nine Jews due to a shared, feared skin disease. When all of them are cured by Jesus, the foreigner is the only one who turns back with thanks.

So, what feels alien to you right now? The new Covid reality? The political acrimony? The cultural changes? When everything seems to be going to hell in a handbasket? What do you do with all of that? Can you live your life withholding investment anywhere or with anyone? Where is God leading you?

As always, I would really love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here .

10.9.22 (Both) Serve at the Table

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 12:53:14 GMT

Philippians 2:4-11, John 13:2-5

“Kids Table.” Remember being relegated to that table at some family event? There was room at the ‘big’ table just for adults — who wanted to have adult conversation, after all. So they sent the kids to the little table in the kitchen.

Actually, I didn’t mind being there. I still like kid food and often find that the children are more open and funnier. And the adults, in contrast, sometimes seem stiff and dull.

But eventually you’re graduated to the adult table and you have to grow up some. No more food fights or yelling. You can’t dominate the conversation or hog the food. You’re expected to bring out some of the serving dishes and to clear the dishes afterward. It’s not all about ME.

But, have you noticed that some so-called adults don’t act that way? They still treat mealtime as if it’s all about them. Do people do that in church? Sadly, yes.

And it’s because of that we have a quote from what some scholars consider the oldest hymn in the church, Philippians 2:4-11 . Growing up — in maturity and in Christ — entails placing a greater emphasis on the needs of others than on our own wants. If Christ laid aside his vaulted position to serve others, we are called to do the same.

In an acted-out parable [ John 13:2-5 ], Jesus served his disciples in a humbler way than the disciples were willing to do: to wash the feet of one another as would a slave. The moment was powerful, awkward, and memorable.

When you enter the church building, do you do so looking for a way to serve others (kids, the elderly, strangers) or are you expecting to BE served (with the temperature of the room, the songs sung, the messages & teachings relevant and entertaining)?

How much of the character of Christ has ‘rubbed off’ on you?

As always, I would really love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here .

9.18.22 (Traditional) Come to the Table

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 13:24:39 GMT

2nd Corinthians 5:17-20, Luke 14:16-24

Think of those who drive by our church building each day. What do they see and how do they feel? Is the building — and those inside — inviting or intimidating? It might surprise you that, according to surveys, most non-attenders in America do not think of churches as welcoming places. They view them more like private clubs where you wouldn’t just walk into them without a prior invitation.

So, how did you get here? It could be, you were ‘born on the third pew;’ you’ve always been here. But, if you weren’t brought here as an infant, someone had a hand in you being here. They told you about something that was going on. Or, maybe you were new to town and someone invited you. Who was that person? Probably you can remember them.

Could anyone else ever name YOU as the reason they ended up here or have an increasingly vital relationship with Jesus and the church? Who would name you?

If you don’t think there has been someone like that, someone you have invited, what is our excuse? Maybe we don’t want to get involved in someone else’s religious life; it’s personal. Perhaps we’re afraid that they’ll think we’re super-religious, and we’re not like that. We certainly don’t want to come across as judging them, like they’re missing something if they don’t have our church or be like us. What other excuses do people have — good people who care about Jesus and the church? How valid are those excuses? Is there any other way of viewing invitation that doesn’t descend into something off-putting?

In 2nd Corinthians 5:17-20 , Paul calls us “ambassadors who represent (re-present?) Christ.” We’re not called salespeople or hucksters or perfect or superior. Just those who represent, like an ambassador representing a country. What would that mean? Try to think about this without any negative cloud you possibly have when talking about ‘evangelism.’

In Luke 14:16-24 , Jesus tells the story of those reticent to attend a feast. “Well, go round up somebody, anybody to come!” says the host. Are we reticent to reach out to ‘anybody’? Look around our worship spaces: who is NOT here? Who is not around YOUR table?

As always, I would really love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here .

Food for Thought Collection Sunday | In Person & Drive Thru | Sep 4

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 08:00:01 GMT

FOOD FOR THOUGHT “For I was hungry, and you gave me food” Matt. 25:35

School is back in full swing and many children are receiving free breakfast and lunches at their respective schools. However, there are still many young children that aren’t school age and are at home and not receiving these meals. Therefore, let us all be mindful of Christ words “Let the children come unto me”. One way that I look at this is Christ is using the Food for Thought mission program as a vessel to feed His children. The Lord has blessed us all and He doesn’t ask for anything in return other than “Do unto others as you do unto Me”. We can do this by being mindful of children and families that need the gift of sustenance and completely fill the bins with non-perishable food.

This month’s collection is on Sunday, September 4th therefore if you are going to be out of town, remember that bins are in place throughout the entire month at the Wesley Hall entrance, the Narthex and the New Room lobby for you to drop off your donation anytime during the week. Our collection goes to Carolyn’s Cupboard at St. Paul’s United Methodist church and they are in need of:

Cereal
Canned Spaghetti sauce
Spaghetti pasta
Soup
Instant potatoes

For those of you that like to shop ahead, the Oct 2 collection will go to Lacey Spring’s United Methodist Church Share House and they are in need of:

Cereal
Pop Tarts
Oatmeal
Pancake Mix
Syrup
Jelly
Peanut Butter
Canned meat (tuna, ham, chicken, etc.)
Ravioli / Spaghetti and Meatballs (with pop top lids)
Canned Vegetables

No glass containers, please.

8.7.22 (Traditional) Unseen Realities

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 08:00:00 GMT

Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16

Clarence Jordan was a Georgia farmer, New Testament Greek scholar, and founder of Koinonia Farm (an inter-racial business started in the 1940s), out of which grew Habitat for Humanity. He also paraphrased the New Testament in the Cotton-Patch-Gospel , placing the Bible story in the South, out of which comes this translation of Hebrews 11:1 —

“Now faith is the turning of dreams into deeds. It is betting your life on the unseen realities.”

We’re going to focus on that passage for three weeks, unpacking some of the power in the Letter to the Hebrews and the Gospel of Luke.

Take a moment to read again that one verse in Jordan’s paraphrase. When have you seen “dreams turned into deeds”? What kind of character would you need in order to do that? What does that have to do with faith? Does “faith” mean something more than “belief”? What could it mean to “bet your life”? Can something be unseen and still be a reality? Like what?

Each Sunday we will focus on just one scripture which will be a longer quote than usual. This week is Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 .

The eleventh chapter of the Letter to the Hebrews is sometimes called the “Saints Hall of Fame” as the author lifts up multiple examples of spiritual ancestors who put their trust in God, starting with Abraham and Sarah.

During difficult times, when the faith is questioned or even persecuted, who can we look to strengthen our resolve? Who or what did they turn to?

Is it more difficult to turn to something or someone whom you cannot see? Are they less real, less compelling? What are the “unseen realities” in your life? How did you come to recognize them and eventually come to trust them and be loyal to them? What are you willing to risk for them?

As always, I would love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here .

Food for Thought Collection Sunday | In Person & Drive Thru | Aug 7

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 08:00:00 GMT

FOOD FOR THOUGHT “For I was hungry, and you gave me food” Matt. 25:35

Sunday, August 7, will be our next FFT collection. Each day God presents us with opportunities to share Christ’s love. We may never know if our actions renew someone’s faith or if our compassion rekindles someone’s hope. We may never know whether we are an answer to someone’s prayer. Just as individual snowflakes make up an avalanche, we, as individuals, can make an avalanche of food to help relieve food insecurity locally.

Participating in FFT is quite easy, not time consuming, or expensive. It’s also a good opportunity to show your children a way to be helpful to those less fortunate by your example. Just embracing daily opportunities to help others can be a big part of God's plan for us and to those to whom we show compassion and kindnes. It will probably make a difference in someone else’s life; it for sure will make a difference in yours.

The food pantry at Lacey’s Spring’s Share House needs the following items:

P LEASE, NO GLASS CONTAINERS

Canned meat (tuna, ham, chicken, etc.)
Ravioli/Spaghetti and Meatballs (with pop-up lids)
Canned vegetables
Small bags of rice
Hamburger Helper
Powdered milk
Tea
Coffee
Kool Aid
Paper towels/Toilet paper
Dish detergent

If you prefer to make a monetary donation, make your check to TUM C with FFT on the memo line.

For those of you who like to shop ahead, the September collection will go to St. Paul UMC’s food pantry. They are in need of:

Cereal
Canned Spaghetti sauce
Spaghetti pasta
Soup
Instant potatoes

Thank you for your continued loyalty to this important mission.

7.31.22 (Traditional) Unexpected Answers: My Stuff is Mine, Right?

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 08:00:00 GMT

1 Timothy 6:6-10, Luke 12:13-21

Were you at Trinity when we studied together the book by Adam Hamilton called “ Enough ”? What a radical thought! Almost un-American. To decide that you now have enough.

Before they were shut down due to COVID, buffets were one of my big temptations because I thought I needed to get my money’s worth… and more! Always more.

Today it seems as if much of our culture is based on never getting enough. Enough entertainment, food, fashion, new technology, gossip, snide reviews, guns, social media, money. Especially money. What’s going on there?

In Jesus’ day, wealth was seen as a blessing from God. Is it today? Well, certainly poverty is not seen as a reward for good behavior. Is success due to luck, hard work, righteousness, God’s favor?

Would you go to someone for advice (business, lifestyle, career) who makes significantly less than you do? In the story Jesus tells [ Luke 12:13-21 ], the rich man talks to himself — not a cousin or a rabbi or even God — because who could give him better advice than himself?

By the end of the story, Jesus has put up for pity someone who originally would have been the envy of everyone in his audience. What?!

In the passage from one of Paul’s letters [ 1st Timothy 6:6-10 ] we read great warnings about the dangers of wealth. Are you tempted to think these cautions don’t apply to you? After all, you’re not wealthy. Compared to whom?. You’re not dominated by the love of money. How can you tell? You haven’t wandered away from the faith. Once again, how can you tell?

As always, I would love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here .

7.24.22 (Traditional) Unexpected Answers: How Do You Pray Right?

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 08:00:08 GMT

Colossians 2:16-19, Luke 11:1-10

When someone says they “believe in prayer,” what do they mean? That they’ve seen people do it? That they think faithful people should do it? After all, Jesus told us to.

How would you define prayer; what are folks doing? If it’s somehow communication with the Lord, what is God’s role? What is our role? Is it different in groups as opposed to solo prayer?

Further, when people say they believe prayer “works,” what are they saying? What does prayer create or alter? If one of the usual prayer requests is for healing, how does that “work”? When people are NOT healed – and most people are not and eventually die – does that mean that prayer didn’t work? Notice that the Lord’s Prayer [ Luke 11:1-10 ] does not ask for healing. Why do you think that is so?

Are there some prayer ‘techniques’ which are more ‘successful’ than others? What “opens the door”? Thank God for those people who have spent their lives praying and studying prayer who can then teach us how to grow in that. But do you ever feel like a novice around those who have had remarkable spiritual experiences? Check out what Paul had to say about that [ Colossians 2:16-19 ].

What’s the goal of prayer? Can one be happy in prayer without ‘results’? Didn’t Jesus say you would get what you ask for? What quality is lifted up by Jesus as important – “brashness”?

Wow. This blog is only full of questions! What ‘unexpected answers’ are you hearing?

This week, instead of focusing on how some folks pray poorly – for show, by rote, trying to be fancy, with bad intent, not listening – try to focus on praying well.

As always, I would love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here .

7.17.22 (Traditional) Unexpected Answers: Am I Doing Enough?

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 08:00:08 GMT

Ephesians 2:8-10, Luke 10:38-43

Some people are just difficult to please, you know? You work and work… but they end up asking, “What have you done for me lately?” Is God like that? Yes, you’re doing some good things now, even some religious things (prayer, worship, reading your Bible, giving to the church). But does the Lord expect more? Always more?

In fact, don’t we often view the preacher’s job as convincing, wooing, or guilting us into doing more? “Why weren’t you at Bible study Wednesday? How’s your giving lately? Did you hear about our workday at the church building this weekend?” Some of the leaders I’ve worked with over the years seem to suggest that they are doing their job right only if they keep people ‘religiously’ busy.

And yet, there is that rule (one of the Top Ten) to rest and just be with God one day a week (“ 24/6 ” as one book put it). Evidently, resting one day a week is not just a suggested healthy practice; it is a command. What do you do with that? Especially if Jesus shows up for lunch?

In the Gospel story this week [ Luke 10:38-43 ], Jesus is at his friends’ house. Sister Martha is doing the culturally accepted and expected thing by preparing lunch and hosting the gathering. That’s a lot of work. A lot of love in that. Can’t her sister Mary help her? No, Mary is just goofing off sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening in. On top of that, it was against the rules for a rabbi to teach a woman! I’ve heard some woman identify with Mary and some with Martha. (I haven’t heard men do that.)

What do you do with that story? Does the other reading [ Ephesians 2:8-10 ] help out or confuse matters?

As always, I would love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here .

7.10.22 (Traditional) Unexpected Answers: How Far Do I Have to Care?

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 08:00:07 GMT

Luke 10:29-37

Rabbis — like other pastors, only more so — are expected to provide answers to both religious and secular questions. The joke is that rabbis are great at answering questions with questions, as frustrating as that can be sometimes. (The rabbinical comeback is, “So, what’s wrong with a question?”)

Repeated questions to religious leaders include: What does this scripture mean? What am I supposed to do in life? What is the moral choice? What is the right way to do religious activities? When I hear answers that disagree, which one is right?

That last one especially is a tangled one for rabbis and is the basis for the key religious writing called the Talmud , a compilation of various conversations, commentaries, teachings, and debates over the centuries. “Well, this scholar said this, but this great rabbi said this and this seminal teacher put it this way.”

In response to questions, Jesus frequently used the tactic of telling short stories (parables — Mark 4:34 ) which often turned the tables on the inquirer or revealed more than they wanted to know.

The Gospel reading for Sunday [ Luke 10:29-37 ] is a very famous example. A legal scholar (who had passed the bar?) asked what was essential. Jesus turned it around and asked the scholar… who answered correctly. But the scholar wanted terms defined: “Who is my neighbor?” Was he expecting a classical rabbinical response, such as, “a neighbor is someone who lives within a certain mileage from your home…”?

Jesus answered in an unexpected way, even changing the question along the way. It caught the scholar (and us?) flat-footed.

Why is this parable so well known? Does it change matters for us? Why did Jesus choose a Samaritanhttps://bible.org/illustration/hatred-between-jews-and-samaritans as the hero of the story? Do we live the teaching of this parable out?

I look forward to worshipping with you Sunday at 9:00 am for Traditional worship in the Sanctuary. As always, I would love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here .

Food for Thought Collection Sunday | In Person & Drive Thru | Jul 3

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 08:00:00 GMT

FOOD FOR THOUGHT “For I was hungry and you gave me food…” Matt. 25:35

During the Summer it is very easy for us to get caught up in family vacations, weekend trips and everything fun. However, Summer isn’t fun for everyone. It is also a time when children are at home without the benefit of free breakfast and lunches that are provided at school. Also, these children and their families might not be able to go on vacations. One way we can provide them a vacation experience is to provide them the food to make a meal that they would eat while on vacation. Let us be mindful of all the blessings that God has bestowed upon us as well as all the opportunities he provides for us to be his disciples and to do good deeds in His name. When you are at the grocery store think of a meal that you would eat while on vacation and provide the non-perishable items needed to prepare that meal. It is within our power to fill all six bins full of food so that we can get proper nourishment to these children and their families. This month’s collection is on Sunday, July 3rd therefore if you are going to be out of town, remember that bins are in place throughout the entire month at the Wesley Hall entrance, the Narthex and the New Room lobby for you to drop off your donation anytime during the week. Our collection goes to Carolyn’s Cupboard at St. Paul’s United Methodist church and they are in need of:

Canned spaghetti sauce
Spaghetti pasta
Canned meat (Vienna sausages, chicken, tuna)
Canned vegetables
Corn bread mix
Canned fruit

PLEASE, NO GLASS CONTAINERS.

For those of you that like to shop ahead, the August 7th collection will go to Lacey Spring’s United Methodist Church Share House and they are in need of:

Canned meat (tuna, ham, chicken, etc.)
Ravioli / Spaghetti and Meatballs (with pop top lids)
Canned Vegetables
Small bags of rice
Hamburger Helper
Powdered Milk
Tea
Coffee
Kool Aid
Paper Towels / Toilet Paper / Dish Detergent

6.26.22 (Traditional) Always Learning… From the Worst in Us

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 08:00:00 GMT

Galatians 5:19-23, Luke 9:51-56

It’s hard to look in the mirror sometimes. But even then, you can learn to ignore some of the parts you don’t like: thinning hair, saggy arms, crooked nose. Just a quick glance to see if your hair is brushed right, then move on.

It’s a lot more challenging to take a good look at your soul. What do the deeper parts of us look like? Are they childish, petty, defensive, prejudiced, corrupt, addicted, short-tempered, jealous… or noble, sacrificial and curious? For a further menu of awful possible truths within, see the reading of the fruit of selfish motives found in Galatians 5:19-23 .

We rarely stop to even think about it all. And, anyway, why do it? It’s so depressing.

Well, one reason to become more aware of what’s going on inside you is in order to learn. In fact, it’s quite possible that you don’t know something you really need to know. It’s possible that everyone around you already knows! That’s what therapy is all about, I believe: the gentle revealing of inner truths, drives, fears, dreams, and wounds which compel our behavior and feelings.

In the Gospel reading for Sunday [ Luke 9:51-56 ], we have disciples asking Jesus to rain down fire on a village which has refused him. The request is ugly, vindictive, immature, and way too reflective of how we respond to insult and rejection. Jesus strongly corrects them and they learn something… and so do we. Praise God that the disciples are presented with all their flaws – all our flaws!

What can we learn from examining and confessing the worst in us? In contrast, what should we long for? Read the second half of the Galatians 5:19-23 reading.

I look forward to worshipping with you Sunday at 9 am for Traditional worship in the Sanctuary. As always, I would love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here.

6.19.22 (Traditional) Always Learning … From Breaking the Rules

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 08:00:04 GMT

Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-30

That’s a weird title for a sermon, isn’t it? Aren’t preachers supposed to be urging people to keep the rules? Isn’t that what religion is all about? God proclaims the rules on how to be good (some are actually carved in stone) and then religious leaders — and whole societies — are to enforce those laws. Right?

Now, is the preacher saying that we are supposed to learn something by being law-breakers?!

Note, though, that Jesus was hounded, opposed, and eventually arrested and executed in part for breaking the rules! The rules said don’t work on the Sabbath; don’t associate with those rejected by the community for moral reasons; don’t arouse the attention and opposition of powerful Rome; and show respect for social hierarchies and religious elders. Jesus wasn’t good at any of those.

Does that mean we can be antinominalists ? (That’s a fancy, historical term for those who believed we should ignore all laws and norms in preference for… inner guidance.)

The Apostle Paul comes very close to saying just that [ Galatians 3:23-29 ]. The law of Moses acted as a kind of custodian, keeping us between the lines until Christ came. But now we know we are saved by trusting in Christ, not be keeping the law. In fact Paul explicitly rejects inherited divisions between those who keep kosher and those who don’t; between those who abide by social rankings and those who don’t (especially poignant near the anniversary of ‘Juneteenth’); and between roles we’re supposed to fulfill according to gender expectations. What do you do with all of that?

Meanwhile, Jesus walks right into forbidden gentile territory and heals a dangerous man [ Luke 8:26-30 ], leading the community to ask Jesus to leave… now.

So, are there not recognized, general rules for being right with God that we should obey and teach our children to obey? Are we just to ‘play it by ear’?

I look forward to worshipping with you Sunday at 9:00 am for Traditional worship in the Sanctuary. As always, I would love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here .

6.12.22 (Traditional) Always Learning… From Trouble

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 14:35:23 GMT

Romans 5:1-5 , John 16:12-15

When have you had to learn something? Was it back in school when you had to make a good grade to pass? Do you remember anything about a subject you crammed for? Or did it go into the short-term memory file? Have you had to learn something at work — a new software or procedure or personnel? Did you have to learn something about a relationship — the loved one’s likes/dislikes, the names of the in-laws, important dates?

How did you do with all that learning? What stuck, what evaporated, what changed how you did life?

Do you think there will be a time when you can stop learning? You’ve learned enough to get around, to not make a fool of yourself, to not make a spouse angry, to survive at work? Or are you going to have to learn something new the rest of your life? Do you know someone who acts like they already know-it-all? Are they appealing to you or do you try to avoid them? Meanwhile, do you strive to change the conversation toward subjects you know a lot about? If so, why is that?

When have you learned the most (and the most enduringly)? When things were smooth and easy or during times of stress and pain? Is it possible that the Lord doesn’t want anything to go to waste in your life, including distress?

Romans 5:1-5 speaks about how we can even take pride in our problems because troubles produce good & needed aspects of our character. What has your essential character learned in the last two years? What do you have yet to learn? Sometimes teachers talk about students who are “teach-able.” Are they talking abut you?

In John 16:12-15 , Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth. In your experience, does that happen in one moment or over a long time (a too-long time)? Does that happen when you’re alone or is it more likely to require a group learning it together?

I look forward to worshipping with you Sunday at 9 am for Traditional worship in the Sanctuary. As always, I would love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here .

(Did you hear Alice Cooper sing in the background, “School’s Out for Summer”?)

6.5.22 (Traditional) Devoted – to Giving Back with Joy

Mon, 30 May 2022 08:00:33 GMT

Acts 2, Romans 8:14-17

Sunday is Pentecost, also known as the ‘Birthday of the Church,’ one of the High Holy Days of the year, along with Easter, Christmas Eve, and All Saints Day.

Go ahead and read the whole account Acts 2 .

(In remembrance of the flames reported here, many will be rearing red on June 5.)

What is most striking to you in this story? The shock? The power? The inclusiveness? How timid followers become bold? Do you wonder how they all ended up on the street? What was the whole thing like? Do you wish you had been there or are you just as satisfied with not being there?

What active role does the Spirit play in your life? Is the Spirit kind of ‘second hand’ for you — influencing those who influence you? Is it a genuine presence of comfort in times or woe or anxiety? A nudge for you to act when you know you should? An illuminator of scripture when what you read in those pages suddenly seems to be written just for you?

When it comes to the Spirit, is your basic reaction one of confusion, mystery, confidence? Or is your basic response one of gratitude? If there is any thanksgiving on your part, what do you do with that? How do you express your gratitude? Or does it go unexpressed?

What do you do when you feel grateful to anybody else? Does that place an obligation on you — “Now, I’m going to have to give her a gift, too.” Or does gratitude become a joy when you’re able to be a part of something that was good for you?

Read the other scripture for Sunday [ Romans 8:14-17 ] for more promised gifts from the Spirit. What do you value from this passage?

Food for Thought Collection Sunday | In Person & Drive Thru | Jun 5

Fri, 27 May 2022 08:00:01 GMT

Happy 23rd Birthday, Food for Thought!

“For I was hungry, and you gave me food…” Matt. 25:35

Twenty three years of Food for Thought! WOW! Our next collection will be June 5. Thanks to all of you who have responded through the years to God’s call to feed the hungry.

Acts of service are not always dramatic; simple caring is all that is needed. When we feed those with empty stomachs, they are also filled with our outpouring of God’s love. Thank you for showing your compassion, sharing your abundance, and allowing God to work through you in this gesture of love. The bins will be in place throughout the church to accept your donations.

There will also be a drive through from 1 to 3 pm at the blue awning.

Share house at Lacey’s Spring UMC will receive this month’s donations, They are in need of:

Cereal
Pop Tarts
Canned meat (tuna, ham, chicken, etc.}
Canned Vegetables
Hamburger Helper
Powdered Milk
Kool Aid
Paper Towels
Dish Detergent

PLEASE. NO GLASS CONTAINERS.

If you prefer, you can make a monetary donation. Just make your check to TUMC and put FFT on the memo line.

For those of you who like to shop ahead, the July 3 donation will go to St. Paul UMC’s food pantry. They have requested:

Canned spaghetti sauce
Spaghetti pasta
Canned meat (Vienna sausages, chicken, tuna)
Canned vegetables
Corn bread mix
Canned fruit

5.29.22 (Both) Devoted – to Growing in Faith

Mon, 23 May 2022 08:00:19 GMT

Hebrews 5:11-14, Acts 16:13-15

Soon after The Big Event of Pentecost, when thousands were added to the young church, the followers of Jesus began every-day practices [ Acts 2:42 ]. More, it was said that they were “devoted” to these habits of shared life together.

It raises the question of whether you and I are devoted to… anything. Do we focus on something or someone so much that other things fade to the background?

Sunday, the question is whether or not we are devoted to growing. Are spiritual and emotional growth and other ways to be mature — are they in your intentions, habits, and desires? Do we encourage growth in each other? (The surest way to make sure you grow is by encouraging another.)

One of the scriptures for Sunday [ Hebrews 5:11-14 ] shares the frustrations of leading people who haven’t advanced in the faith as they should. They’re still suckling milk like babies instead of eating grown-up food. They seem to have been baptized and expect to coast until death. Amy Grant has a song from this passage: Fat Little Baby . (Read the lyrics here .)

Where do you honestly see yourself? Wherein have you grown in the last few years? How are you facing situations differently? Who are you caring for that you previously ignored?

Note that it is always God doing the ‘heavy lifting’ in our lives. Nonetheless, is your growth by accident or is it somewhat anticipated, planned, developed, prayed for, studied about… by you?

In the Acts of the Apostles — perhaps better labeled as the Acts of the Holy Spirit — the new day has so made its way into the souls of the disciples that they don’t even blink when invited into the home of a gentile [ Acts 16:13-15 ]. That previously would have caused numerous church meetings!

(By the way, purple cloth was more expensive than even gold; that color was so very rare and difficult to obtain.)

I look forward to worshipping with you Sunday at 9:00 am for Traditional worship in the Sanctuary and at 11:00 in the New Room for Cross Connect . As always, I would love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here .

5.22.22 (Traditional) Devoted – to Gathering in Love

Mon, 16 May 2022 08:00:05 GMT

John 13:31-35, Acts 11:11-18

Right after the account of the day of Pentecost [Acts 2] — when the Holy Spirit came upon the believers in a dynamic, powerful, and public — there is a report on what those new disciples did daily:

The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the community, to their shared meals, and to their prayers. [ Acts 2:42 ]

“Devoted.” It was not a social group with common “interests,” nor a club for practicing a hobby. These were not things they did if they could find the time or if they didn’t have something else more important to do. They were devoted. Cleared the schedules. Counted on each other’s presence and support. Focused their lives around it.

So, what are you devoted to? Together, what are we devoted to? Is there something that we’re going to do so consistently and with such vigor and dedication that visitors just get caught up into it?

Sunday’s scripture readings suggest a least two possibilities. The Gospel reading [ John 13:31-35 ] records a new command from Jesus, that we love one another.

Have you ever run across a group of people you were sure loved one another? Well, a family. Or, at least, some families. You sense a real bond between them. They share common values, history, insider jokes, and genuine affection. How did you feel in the midst of them? I have felt in these situations both an attraction toward them but also a sense of being left out. I was the newcomer. Maybe not an outsider walled out. But not quite an insider either. Many have felt that way with the family of their spouse for instance, the in-laws. “Are y’all family?” “Well, legally, yes.”

What would it take for a church to be both devoted to one another and completely open to newcomers?

The other scripture for Sunday [ Acts 11:11-18 ] really strains this openness. The church inherited the clear demarcation between Jews and… everyone else. All the original followers were Jews. Many thought that Christianity would exist as a faction/sect or Jews. And yet, the Holy Spirit kept pushing these Jesus followers out beyond their limits to include gentiles. It was very controversial and required many encounters and debates for the leaders to recognize what was going on.

What people is the Holy Spirit leading us to include into our loving fellowship? The first phrase of our new Vision Statement puts this matter front-and-center:

“Trinity is a Christian community inviting all to gather in love…”

What does that mean in light of these scriptures? Are we ‘devoted’ to that? What does that mean for you? Have you invited or welcomed someone beyond us?

I look forward to worshipping with you Sunday at 9:00 am in the Sanctuary. As always, I would love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here .

5.15.22 (Traditional) Victory – Unrevealed Until Its Season

Mon, 09 May 2022 08:00:16 GMT

Revelation 21:1-6, Mark 13:7-11

When you hear “apocalypse,” what do you think of? A disaster movie with a lot of crashing and burning? A street preacher with a megaphone and some large posters who is wagging his finger at passing cars? An author with a best-selling book decoding the mysterious references in the Bible correlating with today’s news and political enemies? Is it destruction, revenge, and thumbs-down judgement? (Be afraid; be very afraid!) Or is it victory, relief, and hope?

The literal meaning of “apocalypse” is to uncover something, to reveal something – as in The Revelation of John – literally “taking off the lid.”

Often in my ministry, when a church has asked people what they want to study, one of the requests is Revelation. There is a sense that the book could be understood finally (at least that’s what some religious neighbors say), and that I can finally ‘get it.’ It’s like turning to the answers in the back of the math textbook.

Because I am a Christian, my go-to ‘decoder ring’ for understanding scripture is Christ, the Word of God, the Son of God. So, think quickly about “Jesus.” What understanding of the Apocalypse best fits HIM?

Sunday, we will deal with two scriptures: one from ‘back of the book [ Revelation 21:1-6 ] and one from what is called the ‘little apocalypse’ of Mark [Mark 13:7-11 ].

In preparation, I again invite us to explore these passages using the three Questions of Professor Bill Power:

What do these readings say about God? What of God’s character, mission, and priorities are shared?
What do they say about human beings? What are we typically like? For what can you count on us?
What do they say about me? If I take them seriously, what am I called to do?

My goal in wrestling with scripture before a sermon – and in sharing it with you – is not to create a reaction in us that says, “Well… that was interesting.” My aim is to draw us all closer to Jesus and seek guidance on how to live this week following him. Can you join me in that this Sunday?

I look forward to worshipping with you Sunday at 9:00 am in the Sanctuary. As always, I would love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here .

5.8.22 (Traditional) Victory – Last Will and Testament

Mon, 02 May 2022 08:30:04 GMT

Acts 28:16-22, Ephesians 4:11-16

Are you a part of something bigger than yourself? Something that calls your name and asks you to participate?

To me, there is a difference between ‘inheriting’ something and being caught up in a ‘legacy.’ An inheritance is up to you on how you spend it. Use it now, sell it, keep it locked away – it can end with you. A legacy however started before you were around and expects to go on after you are gone. You inherit an old house and you sell it. You’re done.

A legacy, however, is more like an effort your family has been a part of for years (generations?) and now it’s your turn to carry the work forward. If you ‘drop the ball,’ something important is lost forever.

Can you think of some examples of a legacy? A business, a political movement, a protected woodland, a new kind of music (or an old kind revived)? What other legacies can you think of?

Is Christianity an inheritance or a legacy? I there no obligation for you to do anything to carry the effort forward, just enjoy or not? Or is your name called for this day, for this effort?

In one of Sunday’s readings [ Acts 28:16-22 ], Paul gathers Jewish leaders together when he arrives in Rome in chains. He wants to explain/defend himself and his gospel message against slanders. Turns out, they hadn’t heard any reports about him at all! So, he is freer to share how the word about Christ is not a disruption of what the Lord had given to the Jewish people but an expansion of their legacy.

Paul anticipates that Rome will kill him and this is an urgent time for his last effort – his last will and testament.

In the second reading [ Ephesians 4:11-16 ], lays out the call of the Christian legacy for all to participate as a part of the Body of Christ. We’re not just attenders or admirers or believers. We are to be equipped for the work of serving and building up the Body of Christ. To do so, we must grow up, speak the truth in love, and stay connected to one another.

If you recognize yourself to be a part of the Body, what is your role in continuing the legacy? Are you fulfilling your call?

By the way, Sunday is Mother’s Day, of course. The American version was begun in a Methodist Church (in West Virginia) in part to honor mothers who had died. The founder of our remembrance day eventually came to greatly regret the commercialism that had smothered the day. She urged children to go visit their moms – if they were still living – rather than merely sending them flowers. Just saying…

Food for Thought Collection Sunday | In Person & Drive Thru | May 1

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 08:00:04 GMT

FOOD FOR THOUGHT “For I was hungry and you gave me food…” Matt. 25:35

We have just experienced Easter and Christ is risen and He is alive within each and every one of us. Christ went through a dark time before He arose and showered us all with His love. There are those in our community that are going through a dark time and it is in our power to help them see Christ light. Let us shower Carolyn’s Cupboard at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church with six full bins of food on Sunday, May 1. They are in need of:

Canned meat (tuna, ham, chicken, etc.)

Cereal

Canned Vegetables

Canned Fruit

Child Friendly Food

Food Bars

Please, NO GLASS CONTAINERS

Christ has and is sharing His light and is guiding us to show others that God is good and that He provides. May our hands and feet be the ones that are showing those going through a rough time just how much J.O.Y (Jesus overflowing you) is within us. In an effort to make it easy for you to make a contribution bins are located in the Narthex, the New Room lobby and at the Wesley Hall entrance throughout the month.

For those of you that like to shop ahead, the June 5 collection will go to Lacey Spring’s United Methodist Church Share House and they are in need of:

Cereal

Pop Tarts

Canned meat (tuna, ham, chicken, etc.}

Canned Vegetables

Hamburger Helper

Powdered Milk

Kool Aid

Paper Towels

Dish Detergent

It is because of you and your contributions that this mission project is a success. Thank you for sharing your blessings with others.

4.24.22 (Both) New Beginnings

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 15:33:13 GMT

JOEL 2:28-32, ACTS 10:9-16, 34-35, 44-48

Last week, we celebrated the holiest of holy days in our Christian tradition, Resurrection Sunday. This is the day we proclaim with trumpets and the Hallelujah chorus that Christ has overcome death and lives forever within your heart and mine. It is a day of joy, power and praise, for sure... at least for those who came to church on Sunday morning. But what about those that didn't? Is the triumphant good news of Easter still good news for them?

On Sunday, we will look to the scriptures: Traditional: (Joel 2:28-32, Acts 10:9-16, 34-35, 44-48 ; Cross Connect: The Story, Ch 28: New Beginnings, pp 402-403, Acts 10:9-16, 34-35, 44-48) to see what God was up to in the months after the Resurrection and consider what that means for us today. And here's a hint... God was and continues to be up to A LOT!

Join us on Sunday at 9 am for Traditional Worship or 11 am for Cross Connect, in person or online. Can't wait to see you there!

Pastor Carrie

4.17.22 (Both) Easter — Victory

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 13:41:21 GMT

LUKE 24:1-12, 1ST CORINTHIANS 15:19-26

Read Luke’s account of the Easter event [Luke 24:1-12] and notice something you haven’t before.

Is Easter a kind of faith-vs.-science challenge for you? You trust that something happened but don’t know how you can explain it to friends who doubt it? Or is it not a challenge at all? You’ve always gone along with it since you were a kid? Do you hope Easter is true because you like the idea of death not being final?

Or are you just going through the motions of worship this Easter because that’s easier than challenging everything? Do you wish you could be somewhere else? Do a lot of people around you seem… gullible to believe this?

Have you ever shared anything of faith that was considered “nonsense” to others?

The other scripture for Sunday [1st Corinthians 15:19-26] is a very early understanding of what the resurrection means for us. (The letters in the New Testament were written before the Gospel writings.) What does it say about the resurrection event that such words were composed within a few years after they happened?

I look forward to worshipping with you Sunday at 7:00 for the ‘Sonrise’ service in the lobby of the New Room (south end of the building), at 9:00 am in the Sanctuary, and in the New Room with Cross Connect at 11:00.

4.10.22 (Traditional) Palm Sunday — Unsilenced

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 14:25:33 GMT

LUKE 22:1 - 23:56, PHILIPPIANS 3:8-11, JOHN 12:1-8

We enter Holy Week. In the Bible, “holy” — when not used specifically about God – refers to something or an event that is set aside in order to be used by God. Can this week by “holy” for you? Can you set aside extra time and attention that can be used by God to draw you nearer to Christ and empower you to live as a Christian disciple of his?

Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter — all can be more than just a recollection of important events long ago. They can be accumulative and transformative to your soul. After Easter, you can walk forward with a greater sense of victory.

Here are some tools the Church has used for Bible study and devotion over the years that you can use as you read the whole story [Luke 22:1 - 23:56]. Try them this week.

You can ask each scripture three questions: 1. What does this reading say about God? What character trait of the Lord is mentioned or assumed here? 2. What does it say about human beings? What are people like according to this scripture? 3. And what does it say about YOU? If you were to take this scripture seriously, what changes would occur?

An ancient method is to picture yourself within the story. Today we might imagine being the director of a movie of this event. Where do you point the camera, what conversations do you overhear, and what action are you caught up in? What does the scene look like, sound like, feel like? And don’t just focus on the main characters; what are the spectators doing and feeling?

Finally, you can read the story slowly but stop whenever the Spirit prompts you to. Do you have a question, a problem, a revelation? Why do you think this particular point of the story caused you to pause? In addition to reading, pray the scripture.

The specific scriptures for this Sunday include possibly the oldest hymn of Christianity, according to students of this passage [Philippians 3:8-11]. Why do you think this was so used by the early Church that Paul can quote it counting on his readers to know it?

The other reading is John’s account of the Palm Sunday entrance into Jerusalem [John 12:1-8]. Who is celebrating? Who is complaining and why? Do they have a point? Are you one to call out, to keep quiet, or to quiet others?

By the way, would you turn your colt over to strangers because “the master needs it”? What else does the mast need?

I look forward to worshipping with you Sunday at 9:00 am in the Sanctuary.

4.3.22 (Traditional) Bad News; Good News: “Superior Value”

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 14:30:33 GMT

PHILIPPIANS 3:8-11, JOHN 12:1-8

In your mind, go in your home to the top of your dresser (or wherever you keep important objects from the past). What’s there? Photos? How old are they? Do they include anyone who has died since the photos were made? Are there ticket stubs from a concert or sports event? Who went with you to that and are they still important to you?

Look in the top drawer of the dresser. If yours is like mine, there are all kinds of objects just thrown in (somewhat like the catch-all drawer in the kitchen). Mine includes a formal bow tie, small flashlights that no longer work, an old wallet, socks I don’t wear, and official papers which are no longer relevant. Is anything you find there toss-able?

We now have a huge dumpster at the church building ready to receive junk found in every nook and cranny here. These things were once deemed valuable – to somebody – now, they are refuse.

In one of our readings for Sunday [Philippians 3:8-11], Paul talks about how hard he had worked in the past trying to earn righteousness, almost like merit badges. Now he considers it all rubbish because of the surpassing value of knowing Jesus as his righteousness. What would cause you to reevaluate everything? Would it just be time, turning important stuff from the past into dusty debris? Could a relationship make that big of a difference for you?

In the other scripture reading for Sunday [John 12:1-8], we have Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with very expensive perfume in gratitude for bringing her brother Lazarus back to life. Judas criticizes her for wasting money that could have gone to the poor but Jesus affirms her. How do you make a judgement call about whether something is valuable for now only… or eternal – how to spend your money, time, effort, reputation?

I look forward to worshipping with you Sunday at 9:00 am in the Sanctuary.

Food for Thought Collection Sunday | In Person & Drive Thru | Apr 3

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 14:35:03 GMT

“For I was hungry and you gave me food…” Matt. 25:35

During Holy Week we are reminded of just how much Jesus loves us, of how much He sacrificed for us. The solemn Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services set the mood for the joyful celebration of Easter Sunday. We move from the goodbyes and suffering that He did for us to the miraculous resurrection that changed the world. He spent His life showing and teaching us how to love and how to treat each other.

Each month we are given an opportunity to love and treat each other the way Jesus taught us in Matthew 25:35. It appears that we will always have people who, on occasion, need help feeding their families. Let’s continue to show the love of Christ by filling the Food for Thought (FFT) bins to assist those who need a helping hand. “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…

If you have never participated in FFT before, this is a perfect time to give it a try. It’s the start of new beginnings. It can be a fun mission in which children can participate and learn the joy of helping others and letting their little lights shine, too. With your guidance, they can help select the food and place it in the cart. Then they can place the item in the FFT bag at home until it’s time to take the bag to church the first Sunday of each month.

The pantry at Share House at Lacey’s Spring is in need of:

Pop Tarts
Granola Bars
Canned meat
Canned vegetables
Hamburger Helper
Soup
Manwich
Canned spaghetti sauce and pasta
Pasta
Cooking Oil
Salt and Pepper
Ziploc Bags

Please, no glass containers.

You’re always welcome to make a monetary donation. Just make your check to TUMC and put FFT on the memo line.

The May 1 FFT donation will go to St. Paul UMC’s food pantry. They need:

Canned meat (tuna, ham, chicken, etc.)
Cereal
Canned vegetables
Canned fruit
Child-friendly food
Cookies
Food bars

Thank you for letting your light shine with love for your neighbors.

3.27.22 (Traditional) Bad News; Good News: “Good in the Bad”

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 15:39:57 GMT

MATTHEW 5:1-12, PROVERBS 1:20-25

Do you know what ‘performative language’ is? These are statements that not only SAY something, they DO something. Things are different after they are uttered, like, “I take you to be my husband”— reality is changed, something goes click in the universe, and there is now a marriage. Other examples include: “I promise I will be there,” “I order you to do this,” “I resign,” “I forgive you,” and “I sentence you to prison.”

When Jesus makes pronouncements like those we call the Beatitudes [Matthew 5:1-12], many students of Matthew say that he is not simply informing us of something we didn’t already know. Jesus is making new realities. The poor in spirit are now blessed by God and are receiving the Kingdom of God.

What in the world could that mean? What in the Kingdom of God could that mean? Blessed are those who mourn, those who are persecuted, and those who are meek?! No one else in this world is saying those kinds of things. In fact, the world scoffs at that ‘sentiment’ and encourages the exact opposite — lucky are those who don’t have anything to weep about, those who are too strong to be picked on, and those who seem to take over every room they enter.

Think of advertisements you’ve seen, bosses you’ve encountered, and even prominent religious leaders. Is there a desire for meekness or the recognition of the goodness hidden within persecution? Indeed, if you were devising a religion based solely on this Sermon on the Mount, would it look like much of what presents itself today as Christianity?

Also read the lament of personification of Wisdom [Proverbs 1:20-25]. Who do you think she’s talking about? You?

I look forward to worshipping with you Sunday at 9:00 am in the Sanctuary.

12.12.21 (Traditonal) Light in the Darkness | Loving Darkness?: Joy

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 09:30:02 GMT

John 3:17-21, 1 John 1:5-10)

Where’s the darkest place you’ve ever been? Were you comfortable there? The darkest place I’ve ever been was deep inside a cave, far from the entrance. Our guide warned us, then he switched off all the illumination.

We instinctively waved our hands in front of our eyes, hoping we could see some of the movement. Nothing. No thing. I’m grateful I was holding onto something and that the guide kept talking. It helped me get and keep my bearings.

There is usually something repelling and scary to me about darkness. Maybe it was all those stories we told each other as kids about the evil that lurked under the cloak of darkness, hiding from us in order to pounce out of the shadows unseen. From that closet or under the bed or out of those darkened woods!

As we grew, we came to realize that, most of the time, there was nothing in the closet at night that wasn’t there in the daytime.

I’ve also have come to the opinion that the greatest dangers lie, not in physical darkness or literal shadows, but in the darkness within a soul. That’s what scares me more: lies, hate, fear, corruption, selfishness, bigotry, vengeance. Jesus said that true evil comes from inside our hearts, not from outside our bodies [Mtt. 15:11]. We then use darkness and misdirection to hide all of that from others.

In the Gospel reading for Sunday ( John 3:17-21 ), which takes place right after the famous quote about God so loving the world that he sent his Son, Jesus warns us that some people hate the light that exposes them.

Where have you seen people hiding in darkness? When have you done so? Careful! The other Sunday scripture ( 1st John 1:5-10 ) warns us that, if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.

When are you most likely to come to the light, most open to being exposed for who you really are? What do we miss when we lurk back in the shadows?

As always, I would love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here .

Food for Thought Collection Sunday | In Person & Drive Thru | November 7

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 08:00:00 GMT

FOOD FOR THOUGHT “For I was hungry and you gave me food…” Matt. 25:35

The holidays are upon us and many families are looking forward to sitting down to a meal with family and friends. When I was growing up we always went to my maternal grandmothers for Thanksgiving with the entire family and the table was filled with food. Since my grandmother fixed the majority of the food my mother started a tradition with my immediate family that we prepared a full blown Thanksgiving meal and took it to a family that wasn’t as fortunate. When we delivered this meal, we also left groceries with them so that they had food for a month. This was her way of teaching us to share the blessings that the Lord had bestowed upon us. I tell this to you to give you a suggestion of providing the ingredients so that a family that isn’t as fortunate can prepare a meal that is fit for a king. The Lord blesses us and this is a wonderful way for us to bless others.

This month's collection goes to Carolyn’s Cupboard at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and they are in need of the following:

cereal
canned meat
soup
crackers
cookies
canned corn
mayo, mustard, ketchup
canned spaghetti sauce and pasta
Thanksgiving items such as stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, canned sweet potatoes, etc.
Leftover Halloween candy is always fun, too

For those of you that like to shop early our next collection on December 5 will go to Share House and they are in need of:

pop tarts
canned sweet potatoes
canned corn
canned green beans
canned squash
canned cranberry sauce
stuffing mix
canned ham
soup
marshmallows
crackers
bread crumbs
tea bags
Kool-Aid
juice
cake mixes
frosting
napkins

Thank you for making this mission project such a huge success.

10.31.21 (Traditional) God's Story; Our Story: Consequences (Judges 6:12-16, Hebrews 12:1-2)

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 08:00:00 GMT

This coming Sunday is All Saints Sunday , a day we lift up the names of those who died in the faith within our congregation over the last twelve months. In the sense that United Methodists use the term, “saints” are not officially recognized patrons of various aspects of life to be venerated or portrayed in stained glass. Rather, saints are regular followers of Christ, dedicated to the Kingdom of God and used to make Christianity more appealing and possible.

Every Sunday that we share communion — as we will this Sunday — the Lord’s Table extends across time and space to include the victorious meal Jesus originated and to include all those who belonged (and will belong) to him.

If you have lost someone recently, this time of worship may mean something special for you.

In the story we will read from scripture Sunday ( Judges 6:12-16 ), we have the account of Gideon turning down the call from the Lord, delivered by a messenger. Or, at least, he tries to turn the call down, listing all the reasons he makes a bad choice to lead the Israelites against an enemy. He believes he is anything other than the “mighty warrior” the angel calls him.

What would you say if you got such a call? Indeed, how have you responded already when you felt a nudge from God? “I’m not the right person! I’m not holy; don’t have leadership gifts; I’d rather just be left alone”? Do you think any of your reasonable excuses make a difference to God?

Before the passage we use in worship, from the letter to the Hebrews ( Hebrews 12:1-2 ), those in the past who have been used by God are listed. Then the author turns to us and gives us instruction on how to behave as a representative of the Lord.

Are you such a person? Don’t be so quick to say, No. For all those people who know us to be Christian or a member of the church, we DO represent Christ — for good or for bad — whether we want to or not. How are we doing on that?

I’ll see you Sunday in the Sanctuary at 9 am. As always, I would love to get your comments or questions. Just click here .

10.24.21 (Traditional) God's Story; Our Story: Consequences (Joshua 24:19-24, 1Corinthians 1:26-29)

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 13:05:00 GMT

Is the god-decision an easy one? If asked to choose between worshipping the One we know through Jesus or… some other god, we’d probably quickly pick the Lord, wouldn’t we? That particular God gets our vote.

But then what?

Are there any consequences for throwing our lot in with the Lord of the scriptures? Anything we can now no longer do? Anything we now must do? Indeed, in America now, can you just choose God and then do… nothing?

You don’t have to worship, give money or time, indicate your choice somehow publicly. No scorn, usually no rejection, no cost, no consequences. Is that one of the things that makes Christians tame and weak and able to blend into the culture around them?

No one demands from us anything based on that decision. So, maybe the decision fades in our conscientiousness. It doesn’t cost anything so it’s not worth anything?

People accuse Christians of being judgmental and political — but mainly of being hypocritical. We confess Jesus in worship and that’s where it ends. They don’t see where following Jesus makes any difference in how we act.

In one of Sunday’s scripture ( Joshua 24:19-24 ), Joshua confronts the Israelites at the entrance of the Promised Land. “Now is the moment to choose!” he said. And don’t be misled; in the future, God will hold you accountable to your decision.

Strangely, the other scripture for that day ( 1st Corinthians 1:26-29 ) talks about the choices GOD has made, choosing iffy kind of people to convey something to those who saw themselves as somewhat iffy. If we throw ourselves in with a God like that, what does that mean in how we will look at and behave toward other people?

I’ll see you Sunday in the Sanctuary at 9:00. As always, I would love to get your comments or questions. Just click here .

10.17.21 (Traditional) God's Story; Our Story: Consequences (Numbers 14:1-9, Psalm 27:1-4)

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 08:00:00 GMT

The Hebrews have successfully escaped from the clutches of the Egyptian army by walking through the parted Red Sea. But have they escaped from all that “Egypt” means — mentally, emotionally, socially, theologically? They had been slaves for generations, put down and held down as inferior, oppressed servants. Now what?

Sure, God was with them, but they weren’t warriors or empire-builders or even impressive. They had seen God’s miracles and received God’s blueprint for how they were to live together (commandments), but had they changed who they were? Did they see themselves as up to the challenge of taking the Promised Land from people described as “giants”?

Evidently not. Read Numbers 14:1-9 to see who said what about their situation. (Why do you think this debate was remembered by the people?) Did some folks seem defeatist? Did others appear naïve? What would you have said or voted for if you were there at that time?

How do you ‘vote’ today when your group or family is confronted with a challenge? Are you one to say, as did Caleb, “We’ve been told to do this, so let’s DO IT!” Or do you hang back waiting for an easier challenge? Make note that none of the nay-sayers made it eventually into the Promised Land.

We will read Psalm 27:1-4 as encouragement.

This Sunday is also the day we confirm the faith confessed by some of our young members. If you were asked to be a part of their instruction team, what would you want them to know about the faith? What would you want them to experience?

I’ll see you Sunday in the Sanctuary at 9. As always, I would love to get your comments or questions. Just click here .

10.10.21 (Traditional) God's Story; Our Story: Consequences || (Cross Connect) The Story (Exodus 20:1-17)

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 20:00:00 GMT

Exodus 20:1-17. You can also read chapter five in The Story. Back when your parents laid down a rule, did you ever wonder if they meant it, or did you test it to see how far you could go? Did you wonder if the rule was for your good (you need regular rest) or their benefit (they needed a break from you)? Were the rules enforced equally with your siblings? Eventually did you rebel against house rules, like curfew, and sneak out? How did you feel afterwards? How are God’s rules — like the ten commandments — seen by folks today? How do you see them, really? If they are considered old fashioned, which one(s) would you eliminate? Has ignoring these rules meant that our society is better than before? It was clearly stated: since the Lord brought the people out of slavery and will eventually give them a Promised Land, God can expect the people to follow divine guidance; it’s the main consequence of being saved by this God. How do you picture God giving these commandments? Why do you think God gave these ten to the children of Israel so early after their release from slavery? If these commands were intended for their benefit, what was that benefit? While Moses is on the mountain receiving instruction from the Lord (gone for forty days!), the people down below got anxious. They eventually convinced Aaron (the Number Two guy) to build them an idol so that they could worship someTHING, like they had seen done back in Egypt (Exodus 32). Why was that viewed as being comforting to their worries? Is there someTHING that is viewed as comforting today? Is such worship always idolatry? I’ll see you Sunday both in the Sanctuary at 9 am and in the New Room at 11 am. I would love to get your comments or questions. Just click here.

10.3.21 (Traditional) God’s Story; Our Story: Consequences || (Cross Connect) The Story (Exodus 3:7-12)

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 12:57:00 GMT

This Sunday in worship, we will be explore the call of Moses (Exodus 3:7-12 NIV, pg. 46 of The Story) and how his “yes” to God unfolds into the extraordinary Exodus events of justice & deliverance. We will also celebrate World Communion Sunday, as we come to the table with our brothers & sisters in Christ all around the world. I look forward to worshipping with you for Traditional Worship at 9 am and Cross Connect at 11 am, in-person and online. Have a blessed week!

Food for Thought Collection Sunday | In Person & Drive Thru | October 3

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 08:00:00 GMT

Sunday, October 3 is our next FFT collection. This collection will go to Share House and Safe Harbor. They are in need of the following:

Cereal
Oatmeal
Pancake mix
Syrup
Grits
Canned Meat
Canned Spaghetti Sauce (No glass jars)
Spaghetti Pasta
Velveeta Cheese
Rice
Instant potatoes
Small bags of flour, corn meal, sugar
Kool Aid
Juice, tea, coffee
Napkins, paper towels and toilet paper

(Always remember these are needed items but all contributions are greatly appreciated.)

Your donations always bring a smile to the faces of the families who are in need. A few special treats, too, go a long way in helping them feel normal ... especially the children. Sometimes the recipients will donate to the pantries after they get back on their feet. Your generosity gives blessings to many; thank you for your continued support and obedience to Jesus’ instructions on how to treat our neighbors.

If you aren’t sure of how to participate in FFT, just remember those less fortunate each time you shop at the grocery store, and purchase a non-perishable food item to collect in a bag at your home. The first Sunday of the month bring your bag to church and place it in one of the FFT bins located throughout the church. You should find one in the narthex, The New Room lobby, the Wesley Hall entrance, and the hallway under the sanctuary. There will also be a drive-through collection on the first Sunday of the month from 1 to 3 pm at the blue awning. Monetary donations are also welcome. Just write your check to TUMC and put FFT on the memo line.

For those of you who like to shop early, the November 7 collection will be our Thanksgiving collection and will go to Carolyn’s Cupboard at Saint Paul UMC’s pantry. They will need:

Cereal
Canned meat
Soup
Crackers
Cookies
Canned corn
Mayo, mustard, ketchup
Canned spaghetti sauce and pasta
Thanksgiving items such as stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, canned sweet potatoes, etc.
Leftover Halloween candy is always fun, too

Thank you again for continuing to obey Christ's command to love our neighbor as ourselves.

9.26.21 (Traditional) God’s Story; Our Story: God Fashions Us (Genesis 50:15-21, Romans 8:26-28)

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 12:42:00 GMT

The Joseph story arc ( Genesis 37-50 ) in the book of Genesis is quite the saga with parental preferences, arrogance, family misdeeds, slavery, attempted seduction, divine dreams, court intrigue, famine, rescue, power plays, deceit, and karma. (Whew!)

We join the story near to the end ( Genesis 50:15-21 ) when the brothers fear that their baby brother (now grown politically powerful) will finally hand out their punishment for past wrong-doing. Instead they are confronted with grace! Forgiveness!

His brothers had mistreated him, but Joseph (the son with the coat of many colors) was able to discern that the Lord had used that misdeed in order to save many peoples’ lives — including their own.

In a similar way, in ( Romans 8:26-28 ) Paul argues that God is always at work in matters, good and bad, to bring about healing and salvation.

Both these men (Joseph and Paul) had been on the receiving end of brutality and unjust treatment, yet they were able to see beyond their own situations to discern the good that was being birthed in the midst of their circumstances.

Are you and I able to do that? When? What helps us do that and what gets in the way?

In today’s political lexicon, the word “snowflake” is used against those (both liberal and conservative) who are so accustomed to things going their way that they overreact to any difficulty with extreme statements, like comparing whatever inconvenience or disagreement they are experiencing to the holocaust!

Where does our perseverance and perspective come from? How do we tap into that?

(The contemporary service — Cross Connect — is having a similar series based on the novel-like continuous narrative of the biblical accounts presented in the book The Story . If your class or small group is studying this, you will need to pick up your copy. Traditional services will share similar themes each week, but will be focused on one scriptural story at a time.)

I’ll see you Sunday in the Sanctuary. I wo uld love to get your comments or questions. Just click here .

9.19.21 (Traditional) God’s Story; Our Story: God Fashions Us (Hebrews 11:1, 8-11, Genesis 18:1-15)

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 08:00:00 GMT

How do you take vacation trips? Do you make reservations? Pack accordingly (probably more than you’ll need, but you never know)? Work out the mileage ahead of time for each day? Make sure you have enough cash in case they don’t take credit cards some place? Do you use roads that are well-known? Do you leave your agenda with someone back home? Make sure your pets are well taken care of?

Or do you just throw some things in a back pack and head out?

What if it was not just a vacation trip, a tour that would bring you back home? What if you were going to stay, to live forever… wherever?

Seemingly out of nowhere, the Lord tells Abram to leave — well, everything — and go where God will show him, eventually. “I’ll tell you when we get there!” ( Hebrews 11:1, 8-11 )

Note that Abram and his wife are old, ancient enough to want to settle down. But Abram goes.

Later, the Lord tells these old folks that they are going to have a baby! ( Genesis 18:1-15 ) Yes, joyful news for a childless couple, but is there anything more disruptive than a baby? Imagine trying to explain the birth on a Medicaid form? Seems like a joke, doesn’t it? (During the sermon, you'll hear how the ‘joke’ gets played out.)

What does this say about God? The Lord chose the least fertile couple in the county to be the ancestors of a new nation? That God is so… disruptive? Do you picture God this way or as a more calming presence, something more… boring?

What does this whole episode — see how Abram and Sarai try to work out things on their own — say about people? What does it say about you?

I’ll see you Sunday at 9 am in the Sanctuary. I would love to get your comments or questions. Just click here.

Cross Connect: Doing Life Together

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 08:00:00 GMT

This past Sunday, we shared our final pillar of belief at Cross Connect, which is that God has called us to be a community that does life together. When one of us celebrates, our community cheers with you. When one of us struggles, our community walks alongside you in support. Our desire is that every single person who connects with our community knows they are loved, valued, and no longer alone.

This coming Sunday, September 12, our community begins our journey together through The Story , and we will be doing this in multi-faceted and multigenerational ways:

* Our Sermon Series will follow along chapter by chapter (full schedule available this Sunday),
* Kids Connect begins this Sunday, when children ages 4 - 2nd Grade will be invited during the sermon to join Ms. Audrey in The Garden for a special, age-appropriate lesson centered around the same chapter,
* Youth Converge (5:30-7:30pm) starts this Sunday, also with their lesson centered around the same chapter, AND
( Multiple Adult Small Groups kick off this Sunday to give a deeper dive into The Story .

For a full list of these classes, click here . And don't worry if you don't start right at the beginning - you are welcome to join in any time!

We are SO excited about the community God is creating, and the journey we are walking together! We know God has great plans, and we can't wait to see them all unfold! Please know you are ALL a special & needed part of our community, and we are so thankful to do life together with you!

See you in worship this Sunday at 11 am!

9.12.21 God’s Story; Our Story: God Fashions Us (Genesis 1:1 - 2:25)

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 08:00:00 GMT

(The contemporary service — Cross Connect — is having a similar series based on the novel-like continuous narrative of the biblical accounts presented in the book The Story . If your class or small group is studying this, you will need to pick up your copy. Traditional services will share similar themes each week, but will be focused on one scripture/story at a time.)

Every culture around the world has a creation myth . “Myth” here doesn’t mean a fanciful, false story from pre-scientific days, but rather a meta-story or a mega-story that conveys who we are and why we are here. How did we come to be and what are we supposed to be doing?

(By the way, United Methodists do not see a conflict between science and theology for we see how these disciplines speak of reality from totally different angles. How would you describe these different angles?)

The Judeo-Christian faith has two stories and a lot of commentary and celebration . Read the two accounts here Genesis 1:1 - 2:25 . What similarities do you notice? What differences? Did you notice a difference in style? Does the first account feel more like a litany said in worship and the second feel like a story you tell around a campfire? Which account are you drawn to more? The Jewish scholars and faithful were not uncomfortable with different accounts and included both. Why do you think they did that?

The main things we ask of these scriptures are: What do these passages say about God? What do they say about humanity? What do they say about you? (We’ll ask these questions again in future weeks.)

What does it mean for us that God made everything on purpose and not by chance, warfare with other gods, or a bi-product of things gone amok (as in some other myths)? How intimate is the interaction between God and the rest of creation? Do we humans have a job, a responsibility, or a purpose? What does it mean that things seem to be so messed up?

I’ll see you Sunday at 9 am in the Sanctuary. I would love to get your comments or questions. Just click here .

Cross Connect: Finding Your Story in God's Story

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 08:00:00 GMT

Another pillar belief we have at Cross Connect is that the scriptures are the foundation of our faith and community. Beginning September 12, we are excited to begin a comprehensive journey through the scriptures using The Story as our guide.

The Story is a chronological presentation of the Bible that reads like a novel. There are no verse references, and scripture segments are seamlessly woven together with transition text into 31 chapters of a single grand narrative. Another wonderful aspect of The Story is that there is a resource for every age: Adult, Student, Elementary Children and Little Ones. Therefore, The Story is a journey every generation can experience together!

Our hope is that The Story will help us all understand God's Word more fully, engage with it more easily, and as a result, find our story in God's story. Check out Sunday's Worship for the full experience.

If you need a copy of The Story for you, your household, or someone you'd like to invite to journey with you, they are available for pick-up:

Every Sunday at Cross Connect,
In the New Room Lobby any day of the week, or
At a Drive Thru on Wednesday, September 8 at the Wesley Hall Entrance (Door 1) from 11:30 am-1:30 pm.

We can't wait to embark on this journey with you, and together to find our story in God's story! See you in worship on Sunday at 11 am, in person or online!

9.5.21 When I Grow Up, I Want To… Be Open to Others (Mark 7:24-30, James 2:1-4)

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 08:00:00 GMT

Remember playing on the playground as a three year-old and meeting a new kid? Whether or not that child became your Best Friend Forever that day depended solely on whether they played fair, seemed happy, and also liked M&Ms. It had little to do with race or gender or handicaps or nationality. Oh, out of curiosity you might play with their different kind of hair or their wheelchair or asked if they watched Daniel Tiger. But they weren’t ruled out if they were… different.

Very soon, though, researchers tell us that the surrounding culture taught us to be prejudiced — to pre-judge someone on superficial matters. We quickly learned who were US (to be given the benefit of the doubt) and who were THEM (to be suspected).

Strangely, the Gospels share a story ( Mark 7:24-30 ) in which Jesus doesn’t come off so well, at least to our modern ears. He encounters a Syrophoenician woman (an ancient term for a non-Jew in that area) who begs Jesus to heal her daughter.

Stop and read the story. What sticks out to you? That Jesus basically refers to her as a “dog”? That her witty comeback gains Jesus’ respect? That this experience might have changed Jesus afterwards? How might the early Church have heard this story? What affect might it have had on them?

Written at a different time and place, the letter of James ( James 2:1-4 ) speaks about prejudice against the poor (or for the rich). This was a real problem in the early Church.

Is it possible that Jesus actually learned something from this encounter? What encounters have you had since childhood that changed your mind and soul about groups you had previously discounted?

I’ll see you Sunday in the Sanctuary. I would love to get your comments or questions. Just click here .

(The contemporary service is in the midst of its own series introducing the re-start of that service now called Cross Connect. )

Cross Connect: Put Me in Coach!

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 08:00:00 GMT

At Cross Connect, one of our pillar beliefs is that God has given each & every one of us gifts and abilities to participate in God’s work in the world, and particularly what God is doing at Cross Connect. You are an essential part of the team! What position will you play?

Check out Sunday’s Worship for the full experience, and then prayerfully respond with where you’re being called to Put Me in Coach!

So thankful to everyone who has already joined the team, and I can’t wait to see all God is going to do in, through & around us!

PUT ME IN COACH!

Can’t wait to worship with you on Sunday!

Food for Thought Collection Sunday | In Person & Drive Thru | September 5

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 08:00:00 GMT

With school starting back many people think that the need for food isn’t as great as during the Summer; however, this isn’t the case at all. We have had a strange year and a half with the Covid pandemic and it doesn’t look like it is going to end anytime soon. This is causing many companies to lay employees off and that means more people are at home and calling on food pantries for assistance. We also have those that are homeless due to varying circumstances and they are also seeking food assistance. Therefore, pantries are running low on supplements to pass along to these families. With this in mind, let us all remember how Jesus said whenever you help the least of these you are helping me.

I personally never want to hear of people going hungry if I have the ability to provide sustenance even if I think that my contribution is miniscule (every little bit makes a difference). Remember how Jesus fed the 5000 with two fish and a loaf of bread. This was a miniscule contribution but look how far it went and that is what your contribution could also do. Let us all step up and do our part to provide sustenance for families going through some rough times. I would love for us to strive to completely fill at least four of our six bins full of food. This month’s collection on Sunday, September 5 goes to Carolyn’s Cupboard and they are in need of the following (remember, no glass containers):

cereal
canned meat
soup
crackers
cookies
canned corn
mayo
mustard
ketchup
canned spaghetti sauce
pasta
(Always remember these are needed items but all contributions are greatly appreciated.)

Bins are in place throughout the month for your contributions at the Wesley Hall entrance, the Narthex and in The New Room Lobby. If you would rather make a monetary donation, make your check to TUMC and put FFT on the memo line. We will also accept drive thru drop offs from 1 - 3 pm at the blue awning on the east side of the church.

For those of you that like to shop early next month’s collection on October 3rd will go to Share House and they are in need of the following:

cereal
oatmeal
pancake mix
syrup
grits
canned meat
canned spaghetti sauce (no glass jars)
spaghetti pasta
Velveeta cheese
rice
instant potatoes
small bags of flour, corn meal, sugar
Kool Aid
juice
tea
coffee
napkins
paper towels
Toilet paper

Thank you for making this mission project such a huge success.

8.29.21 (Traditional) When I Grow Up, I Want to Be… Like Jesus (James 1:19-23, Mark 7:6-8, 14-15)

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 08:00:00 GMT

What does it mean to be a Christian? Does it mean knowing a lot about the Bible, especially the New Testament? Does it mean going to church and praying and avoiding sin? Does it mean genuinely holding on to certain beliefs like those listed in the Apostles' Creed ?

Well, let me make a not-perfect comparison: What does it mean to be married? Does it mean knowing things about your spouse (their middle name, their favorite restaurant, or favorite show to binge)? Does it mean having a marriage license? Does it mean going out on dates and not cheating on each other? Does it mean believing certain things about your spouse (that they are a good person, for instance)?

Possibly all those things to some degree, of course. But also something more. It’s about how you LIVE. Do you live with one another, taking each other into account, meshing together schedules and wants and concerns? Do you show love to one another not just profess it? Are your future hopes and dreams tied up together?

The New Testament Letter reading Sunday ( James 1:19-27 ) says we are to be “doers of the word and not hearers only.” I think that means something like living my life with Jesus and not just nodding my head when anyone speaks of him. To BE like Jesus — have some of him ‘rub off’ on me — not just admire him from a distance. What would that look like for you? Would anything need to change if you took that seriously?

The Gospel reading ( Mark 7:6-8, 14-15 ) has Jesus quoting the prophet Isaiah complaining of those who honor the Lord with their lips but keep their hearts and lives out of his reach. They try to keep rules without living with the One who gave them the rules of life.

So, is Christianity something you ARE or just something you believe?

I’ll see you Sunday at 9 am in the Sanctuary. I would love to get your comments or questions. Just click here .

(The contemporary service is in the midst of its own series introducing the re-start of that service now called Cross Connect .)

Cross Connect: It's Here!

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 08:00:00 GMT

Happy Friday Y'all!

I hope everyone had an amazing week following the first Sunday of Cross Connect! It was wonderful to see all the connections being made in our new lobby space, enjoying Charlie Foster's coffee, and then joining together to worship! The Spirit was MO-VING!! And this coming Sunday promises to be just as powerful...

We've got a couple new surprises awaiting you in the lobby, and another pillar of Cross Connect to unveil. You won't want to miss it - and we certainly don't want to miss you! Let us know you're with us online by clicking the blue button or in-person through the QR code or the Connect Card.

Have a blessed weekend, and I can't wait to connect with you & God on Sunday at 11!

8.22.21 (Traditional) When I Grow Up, I Want to Be… Stronger (Ephesians 6:10-13, John 6:61-69)

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 12:21:00 GMT

When I looked through my comic books as a kid, there always seemed to be an ad for getting stronger. A skinny guy would be pictured at the beach with a girl when a muscular he-man would strut over, kick sand at the guy, and steal his girl. (I don’t why the girl would want to go with a bully, but the point was that the skinny guy couldn’t defend himself.) “But you can buy our product, bulk up, and become strong.”

Is that how you view “strong”? Being able to defend, protect, strut, and even intimidate others rather than suffering on the receiving end of whatever agenda the strong ones have? Strength could then mean holding others in check and possibly even getting your way. Strong means force.

That seems not the way the New Testament. Check out our scriptures for Sunday. Ephesians 6:10-13 specifically states that we are not contending against people but against spiritual forces trying to have their way with us. The battles are internal, not external.

Another view is presented by the story in the Gospel of John ( John 6:61-69 ). While others are deserting Jesus because of his hard-to-understand teachings, some are staying strong and true and loyal.

When you desire to be stronger, is it in order to press your will out into the world or inwardly to be the kind of person you want to be? What is your greatest enemy; what bullies you around? There are real bullies out there and we’re not intended to be a victim. Nations strive to be strong enough to chase away potential enemies (though, often the ward within bring great harm as well). We find ourselves hooked by forces beyond the individual foe, which continue to do us harm.

Addictions, fears, fantasies — all can whack us around… if we are not strong.

I would love to get your comments or questions about this, before or after the traditional service. Just click here .

(The contemporary service is in the midst of its own series introducing the re-start of that service now called Cross Connect .)

Contemporary Worship: The Wait is Over!

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 08:00:00 GMT

8.15.21 (Traditional) When I Grow Up, I Want To Be… Wiser (1st Kings 3:4-9, Ephesians 5:15-20)

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 17:37:00 GMT

When you were a kid, did you expect that, by now, you would have everything figured out? The adults around you back then seemed to know what all they needed to know, after all. Well, it turns out, they were faking it — just as you and I are doing now — hoping that no one discovers us out.

Thankfully my young adult days were not filmed and put on social media so that my pretense was put on display forever for everyone to see: “Look at that! He’s trying to look like an authority on something he obviously knows little about!”

There’s even a term for those times when men attempt to explain something, in a condescending way, to a woman who turns out to be an expert in that field — it’s called “mansplaining.” Could there be something like “religiosplaining”? (There’s got to be a better term.) A Christian trying to explain the Sabbath to a Jew, for instance. If I have matured like I thought I should have after all these years, why am I still talking in situations when I clearly should shut up? Looking foolish. Let’s get wiser!

Of course the scriptures include the time when new king Solomon asked God for wisdom enough to guide the people and got a double dose ( 1st Kings 3:4-9 ). But there is also the instruction in the early church of how to live wisely ( Ephesians 5:15-20 ).

Worship can be very real for you this week and I’m excited about the possibilities. I will be sharing in the traditional service at 9 am. Both it and the contemporary service at 11 will be shared in-person, live-streamed, or recorded for later. (The contemporary service has its own series starting this week that is different from the traditional series.)

I would love to get your comments or questions before or after the service. Just click here .

8.8.21 (Traditional) When I Grow Up, I Want to… handle my anger (Ephesians 4:25-32, Mark 3:1-6)

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 12:53:00 GMT

Sunday, the traditional services start a new sermon series: When I grow up, I want to…

…what? Did you once have a dream or hope or expectation that, by now, your life would be different? I’m guessing that growing up may have been a lot harder than you expected. For instance, at one time you may have thought that adulthood was all about freedom and no tests and having money and getting chocolate whenever you wanted it. But then you got a job and responsibilities and an older body. And all those previous fantasies melted away.

Maybe you thought that YOU would be different by now — that you would finally be able to figure things out and conquer your fears and, you know, be… an adult. Well, how is that going?

In worship, we will examine that which is blocking our development and how God can unleash us for growth. This Sunday we deal with handling our anger (see our scriptures: Ephesians 4:25-32 and Mark 3:1-6 , when even Jesus gets angry). In future weeks we find out how we can grow up to be wiser, stronger, and like Jesus.

(By the way, the contemporary service celebrates Discovery youth retreat this Sunday, and then August 15, they begin a different series.)

Worship Sunday can make a difference in your life and I’m excited about the possibilities. Mac will be sharing in the traditional service at 9:00 am. Both it and the contemporary service at 11:00 will be shared in-person, live-streamed, or recorded for later. We would love to get your comments or questions before or after the service. Just click here .

And please come prepared to wear a mask . Thank you!

8.1.21 (Contemporary) Trinity is a Christian community inviting all to gather in love, grow in faith, ”and give back in joyful service.” (Matthew 25:31-40, Amos 5:21-24)

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 19:24:00 GMT

Have you memorized our new Vision Statement yet? “Trinity is a Christian community inviting all to gather in love, grow in faith, and give back in joyful service .”

In all the elements of our new vision, why is “joyful” attached to this one — one that seems to refer to giving money and time? Are people really joyful handing over money and working on mission projects? Isn’t that just propaganda? Look at all the happy people giving to the church!

I understand and sympathize with that question. Think of other times when you’ve received a pitch over-promising what you will get for an investment they are ‘selling.’ For instance, I am wary of any commercial that suggests I can have fun and health and friends and… everything if I just buy their product! But that’s just not how it works.

I challenge you, though: whenever you’ve heard someone telling about a mission they were a part of aimed at helping the poor, were they… smiling? It didn’t matter if it was easy or hard, they seemed grateful to participate. Do you think they were faking it? And usually they reported that they got so much more out of the work than they contributed.

Also, do you know anyone who tithes (gives ten percent of income back to God’s work)? Are they sour, resentful, wish they had the money back? I’ve not met everyone, of course, but I have yet to meet a dour tither. Do you think I’m making that up? Or is there something to that?

\One of the primary scriptures about how we respond to the call of God to give back is the image Jesus gives of the final judgement ( Matthew 25:31-40 ). Note that there are no religious questions at this judgement, just questions of faith and mercy and compassion. Does that strike you as odd? What does that tell us about Jesus and all who follow him?

The Lord is consistently presented in the Bible as not only caring about those who are desperate or hurting but also WHY they are. For instance, are they being harmed by on-going injustice, not just regrettable events or bad luck? Here is just one of the many pronouncement by God on that ( Amos 5:21-24 ). What do you make of that? Will you and I be judged by how our community behaves?

I’m excited about the possibilities of worship this Sunday. (Don’t forget your gifts to Food for Thought!) I will be sharing in the contemporary service at 11:00 and, of course, we also have the traditional service at 9:00. Both can be shared in-person, live-streamed, or later while viewing the recoding. I would love to get your comments or questions before or after the service. Just click here .

Food For Thought Collection Sunday | In Person & Drive Thru | August 1

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 08:00:00 GMT

Our next FFT collection will be August 1. Thanks to all of you who have responded to God’s call to feed the hungry. Acts of service are not always dramatic; simple caring is all that is needed. When we feed those with empty stomachs, they are also filled with our outpouring of God’s love. Thank you for showing your compassion, sharing your abundance, and allowing God to work through you in this gesture of love. The bins will be in place throughout the church to accept your donations. There will also be a drive-through collection from 1 – 3 pm at the blue awning.

The August collection will go to Safe Harbor and Share House. The items they have requested are:

Pop Tarts
Oatmeal
Grits
Mixed vegetables
Meat
Soup
Coffee / Tea / Kool-aid
Small bags of Sugar, Flour, Cornmeal Assorted condiments—ketchup, barbecue sauce, mustard, mayo, salad dressing, vinegar, etc.
Please no glass containers

Monetary donations are also accepted. Just make your check to TUMC with FFT on the memo line.For those of you who like to shop ahead, our September collection will go to St. Paul UMC’s food pantry. This is a list of their needs:

Cereal
Canned meat
Soup
Snacks for kids out of school
Crackers
Cookies
Canned corn
Mayo, mustard, ketchup
Canned spaghetti sauce and pasta

By giving back in joyful service, we continue to grow in faith.

7.25.21 (Traditional) Trinity is a Christian community inviting all to gather in love, "grow in faith…” (Matthew 22:34-40, Ephesians 4:11-16)

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 16:24:00 GMT

Turns out, there’re just some scriptures that a Christian who’s been around for a while needs to KNOW . Two weeks ago we shared in worship what is called the Great Commission from Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20):

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”

This Sunday, we feature the Great Commandment from Jesus ( Matthew 22:34-40 ): “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You must love your neighbor as you love yourself.”

Are these two ‘Great’ scriptures something you could memorize? Put them in your mind and soul? Can they serve as measuring criteria for spiritual growth? How are you doing with loving God and loving neighbor? What kind of spiritual growth (discipleship) are you encouraging in others? If you and I are not doing too well on those, maybe we shouldn’t be spending a lot of time on finer theological points until we get these basics DOWN.

We also throw in another passage from a New Testament letter ( Ephesians 4:11-16 ) that could be called the Great Leadership Strategy of the early church. We have God-given leaders to equip us to do our own ministry, not to do it for us. What ministry are you doing? Or do you depend on the ‘hired staff’ to do it all? What are you missing out on?

Worship is a time for growing in our understanding of God but also our understanding of ourselves. I’m excited about the possibilities of wisdom and growth this Sunday. I will be sharing in the traditional service at 9 am and, of course, we also have the contemporary service at 11 am. Both can be shared in-person, live-streamed, or later while viewing the recoding. I would love to get your comments or questions before or after the service. Just click here .

7.18.21 (Traditional) Trinity is a Christian community inviting all "to gather in love…” (Psalm 100, Ephesians 3:14-21)

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 08:00:00 GMT

What would you do if you were in the company of someone you loved? The question could include someone you have romantic feelings for, but think beyond that. It could include people like long-term buddies, a favorite sister, or grandchildren. How do you behave with them?

They would probably, at least, have your attention. I once watched a room-full of adults captivated by a one-year old who had just learned to walk. It was our kid, but I watched the others. Our son had their willing attention as he waddled from one to another.

With a loved one, you’d probably be careful not to do all the talking, but listen closely to what is being said and what is happening between the lines.

With a loved one you would probably want to do good for them: share a meal, give some encouragement, or just tell a joke to lighten spirits.

The encounter with a loved one might linger in your memory for a while and you might reflect on it later. I remember my last conversation with my Dad and think on it regularly.

And many more expressions of love.

Now, go back over that list and apply it to the Lord in a worship service. Do we love God? Does God have our attention or are we our main focus? Are we listening? Do we give up anything in the encounter? Do we reflect on it all later or is it gone from our consciousness the minute we step out of the room?

Our new Vision Statement asks us to “gather in love.” Is that what is happening with you?

Our scripture lessons include Psalm 100 which some of us memorized as a child (though probably in a different translation) and Ephesians 3:14-21 which urges us to grasp the full dimensions of love.

We are sharing communion this Sunday. If you know you will be worshipping online, ahead of time gather some bread/crackers and some juice/wine in preparation for joining us in that holy time.

Worship can be very real for you this Sunday and I’m excited about the possibilities. I will be sharing in the traditional service at 9:00 and, of course, we also have the contemporary service at 11:00. Both can be shared in-person, live-streamed, or later while viewing the recoding. I would love to get your comments or questions before or after the service. Just click here .