Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Hidden Treasures

Greetings! “The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful, a puzzle that no one can figure out. But I, God, search the heart and examine the mind. I get to the heart of the human. I get to the root of things. I treat them as they really are, not as they pretend to be.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10, The Message Bible) Several years ago, I found myself on a long country road enjoying a beautiful sunny day, speeding along without a care in the world. A state trooper pulled me over and asked if I knew why he pulled me over? “Yes, I was driving too fast, I’m sorry (70 in a 55).” He gave me a warning. He was too kind. Two months later, I found myself tired after a long church meeting and the hour far exceeded 10:00 p.m. I just wanted to be home. A sheriff’s deputy pulled me over and asked if I knew why he pulled me over? “Yes, I was tired and driving too fast, I’m sorry (again, 70 in a 55).” He gave me a warning. He was too kind. Three months passed. I left the district office at 12:00 noon and encountered three traffic lights that turned to amber. I stopped and waited through each red light. I was determined not to wait for a fourth light, so I proceeded on an amber light that had hints of red. A city police officer pulled me over and asked if I knew why he pulled me over? “Yes, I was in too much of a hurry, I’m sorry.” He gave me a warning. He was too kind. Moral of the story might be to slow down and obey the posted laws of the land and of course you would be right, but there is another moral. Each officer of the law gave me an opportunity to tell the truth. Though I broke the law three times in just a few months, I was given an opportunity to share the contents of my heart. Of course, the truth was already known; it was up to me to accept it and admit my fault.  Jeremiah was ministering to a nation in exile. He was speaking heart language to folks who had sinned. They had broken so many holy laws that they found themselves in exile, thrown out of their own country. The people were living in their brokenness. Jeremiah consoled them with an understanding of their twisted and broken hearts.  Are there times in our own lives that we cry out to the Lord because of our situation? How many of those same situations did we put ourselves in? Do we need God to rescue us from us? Just a few verses later Jeremiah shares this message: “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved; for you are my praise.” (17:14, NRSV) At the opening of the next chapter (18), Jeremiah is reminded that God is the Potter and we are blobs of clay to be molded by the Master’s hand on the spinning wheel. God has a way of remolding us into priceless treasures, but because God also gave us free will, we must be open to the master Potter.  Is there something in our lives that we need to bring to bring to the Master for retooling? Lord, help us to open our minds and souls to your touch and refrain from blocking Your blessings. Lord, forgive us for our sinful and selfish nature. Creative God, we accept your healing hand. Amen. “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High!” (Psalm 9:1-2)

Pastor Dale seniorpastor@trinitydeland.org "The Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace." - Numbers 6:22-26

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SERMON SERIES FOR THE MONTH

Pastor Dale will present a series of messages on Advent and Christmas inspired by Christian author, Adam Hamilton. Adapted from his latest book, Faithful: Christmas Through the Eyes of Joseph , Hamilton writes, We’re not that different from Joseph. True, we may not be part of a story that will be remembered for all time but, like Joseph, we encounter circumstances that we’d never choose for ourselves. At times, it can be tempting just to walk away, but Joseph provides us a great example of humbly obeying God even when we don’t understand, faithfully moving forward in the strength that God provides. Dec 10 Matthew 1:1-16 A Carpenter Named Joseph Little boys and girls look up to a loving father, but who are fathers and what influence do they have in our lives? What influence did Joseph have on the Messiah and ultimately the meaning of Christmas? Dec 17 Matthew 1:18-19 Whose Child Is This? The scandalous Holy Family and the character of Joseph. Who was Joseph? Reactions to something awful reveal our true self. Dec 24 10:00 a.m. Lessons In Carols  Dec 24 5:00 p.m. Children’s Christmas Eve Service Dec 24 7:00 p.m. Matthew 1:18-21 Raising a Child Not Your Own We can learn from Joseph, the step-dad, in raising someone else’s child. There is a difference between being a parent and acting like one. Dec 24 9:00 p.m. Luke 2:1-5 The Journey to Bethlehem A lesson in culture, history and geography, which helps us understand our own story. Dec 31 Luke 2:21-24 The Rest of the Story The Wise Guys from the East remind us after Christmas, that Jesus’ royal family were also refugees. How should we treat refugees today? And finally, the death of a Saint.

MOST WORSHIP SERVICES ARE NOW BEING VIDEO RECORDED AND POSTED TO YOUTUBE . PLEASE VISIT AND SUBSCRIBE TO TRINITY'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL TO CATCH UP ON THOSE SERVICES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED. TO LEARN MORE, CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE.

December Events Click here to view/print the Church Calendar

BIRTHDAYS 1 Eleanor Griffin 2 Lisa Palmer 3 Stan Lilly 4 Mary Jane Boring 4 Glen Oberst 6 Vanessa Beaty 6 Dail Helms 11 Cayman Forbes 13 Jerry Autry 13 Payton Ann Ebanks 13 Olivia Salinetro 16 Rick Jones 18 Gale Gately 19 Tyler Temperly 21 Brian Fuller 21 Jackie Westlake 23 Harvey King 30 Patty DeWeese 30 Jan Lilly 30 Carol Plummer 31 Dr. Taylor Griffin To call, write or send a member a card or email, contact the church office to request an updated "People Directory."

ANNIVERSARIES 03 Leon & Betty Hamilton 57 yrs 20 William & Leanne Adams 20 yrs 20 Cecil & Linda Chester 53 yrs 22 Alex & Vincetta Ford 38 yrs 22 Terry & Debby Williams 44 yrs 27 Taylor & Eleanor Griffin 58 yrs 27 Jon & Karen Robbins 31 yrs 28 Mike & Carolyn Nicholson 32 yrs 30 Brian & Melissa Fuller 31 yrs MERRY CHRISTMAS!

NEWS FROM THE UM CHURCH AND FLORIDA CONFERENCE

AN UPDATE FROM BISHOP CARTER November 17, 2017 Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Florida Annual Conference: Over the past two years, I have engaged in dialogue with almost two thousand Florida United Methodist leaders in seven different settings about questions that are of great interest and concern to all of us. We will offer four of these opportunities next fall.  These gatherings are first shaped around questions submitted via email ahead of time or at the door as people enter. The topics, in order of interest, are 1) human sexuality 2) vitality and closure of churches and 3) the complexity of the ordained ministry process. On another occasion, I will reflect on the second and third topics. Here I want to reflect with you on the first one. [To finish reading this article, click HERE.]

TRINITY NEWS

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL UPDATE December is the busiest month of the year for all churches and Trinity is no different. Here are just some of the activities and events you won't want to miss. Mark your calendars today and if you need to refresh your memory or to jot down the times, visit our online Events Calendar by clicking on this link: Dec 2 - Celebration of Life Service for Eva Jerome Dec 3 - Music Makers Sunday Dec 5 - Decorate the church for Advent Dec 8 - Breakfast at Trinity Dec 9 - Trustee/Member Work Day Dec 11 - Susanna Circle Christmas Party Dec 12 - Young at Heart Luncheon Dec 15 & 16 - Christmas Candlelight Concerts Dec 17 - Christmas Open House at the Parsonage Dec 18 - Lunch for Citrus Grove Faculty & Staff Dec 18 - Concert by All-Night Yahtzee Dec 21 - Blue Christmas Service Dec 22 - Youth Christmas Party Dec 24 - Cookie Fellowship Time Dec 24 - Combined Worship Service in Lessons & Carols Dec 24 - Children's Service featuring our puppetry team Dec 24 - Family Candlelight Service Dec 24 - Communion & Candlelight Service From all of the members of Trinity's Administrative Council, we wish you and yours a very merry Christmas and Happy New Year! John Campbell, chair

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WITNESS TO SOMEONE? As part of The United Methodist Church’s Baptismal Covenant, new members promise to faithfully participate in a local congregation through their prayers , their presence , their gifts , their service and their witness . But, how can they go beyond the words they profess to actually living these vows? Click HERE to read an informative article titled "What It Means to Witness: Honoring Our United Methodist Vows" .

PASTOR DALE'S WEEKLY BLOG For those who are looking for a deeper insight into some of Pastor Dale's teachings and leadings, he has created a blog which can be viewed anytime on the church website. Click HERE  to read his latest blog! And, to get an email notice about new blogs being posted on the website, click on the red button below to sign up or contact Lori Jones in the church office for assistance. Click here to sign up for Pastor Dale's weekly blog!

A NEW MISSION & OUTREACH TEAM IS BEING FORMED. CONTACT CINDY FOX TO LEARN MORE!

TRUSTEES' UPDATE The Trustees would like to wish everyone a safe and blessed holiday season. The trustees last met on November 8th. Topics of discussion were the completion of the roof for the Parsonage, replacing the door locks, general church maintenance, needed equipment and addressing Easterseals program concerns. We also discussed maintenance of the new church property and sale of the church building, as well as the handling of prospective buyers. The trustees will be having a church-wide work day on the morning of December 9th to replenish the mulch around the building and a general sprucing up. Volunteers to help out with the tasks will be welcomed and greatly appreciated. Time to arrive is 9 a.m. Please keep our beloved trustee, Bill Hartman, in your prayers. Merry Christmas, everyone! Charlie Daniels, chair KITCHEN TEAM NEEDS NEW MEMBERS Trinity's Kitchen Team needs you! We are looking for folks who are looking for new, fun ways that they can get more involved in serving our Lord. We are compiling an email/call list of everyone who wants to get involved in this ministry. See me at church or email me by clicking on this link. Blessings to everyone, Steve Roland, team leader TRINITY ANGELS Members of Trinity Angels distributed nutrition bags to needy residents last month. Nearly 200 bags, leftover from the Food Pantry, were distributed to Florida Lutheran Retirement Center, the Cancer Center of DeLand and Dixie Lodge. The Cancer Center said that these bags, which contain Ensure/Boost protein drinks, protein bars, and small incidentals and treats, were especially appreciated and needed after Hurricane Irma. All recipients were very thankful and grateful for these care packages. The volunteers that gave them out were rewarded ten times over. Thanks to Steve Roland for preparing the bags for us. Over the past few months we have been very busy caring for our Trinity friends and neighbors. Cards of caring, concern, and encouragement continue to be the heart of our ministry as we let others know how much we think of them and how much they mean to us.    We continue to reach out to those individuals who might need assistance getting to and from doctor appointments, to and from worship services, to the grocery store, or just visiting—whatever the need, we are here to help with loving hearts. The Angels now meet the third Tuesday of each month at 11:00 a.m. in the Wesley Room. Please join us. Until then, have a blessed Christmas! Debra Wood, team leader

ADVENT DEVOTIONALS We are printing nearly 250 devotional booklets this season with the intention of giving each family that attends our Music Makers Sunday program a copy. If you meet a singer's family this Sunday, offer them a book as a way of saying "Thank you for allowing your child to participate in the Music Makers program." (And, if members feel so inclined, a small donation to cover the cost of the extra printing would be greatly appreciated. Simply mark devotional in the memo line of your check or put cash in an envelope marked likewise.) We are also offering the devotional on the church website, as well as emailing a different devotional every day. Follow this link to the website or click on the box below to sign up. Thank you and God bless! Cindy Fox, coordinator Click on this link to be added to our newest email distribution list. You will receive an email from us for the next 40 days containing a different devotional every day! THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS OFFERINGS Through your generous giving to Trinity's Thanksgiving offering, $1,306.50 was sent to the United Methodist Committee on Relief ( UMCOR) to be used for hurricane relief in Puerto Rico and the eastern Carribbean islands. This was in addition to the $1,387.99 that was received for the Bishop's Appeal for hurricane relief back in October. Our Christmas offering will be sent to UMCOR to help those who were devastated by the numerous fires in California and western states. Please mark your checks with UMCOR in the memo line. You also can designate your contribution using our online giving program. Click HERE to access. TRINITY POLO SHIRT ORDER If anyone would like to order a Trinity Polo Shirt, sizes small to L cost $19; XL cost is $19, 2 XL cost $21, and 3 XL cost $23. Please email me using this link or call me at (386) 873-2351 with your name and size. (Note, there are both mens and ladies shirts available in the above sizes). You can either give me or Lori Jones the money at church. We will submit the order on December 11. Blessings, Helen Jackson STEWARDSHIP BREAKFAST Members of the Finance Team wish to express their thanks to Steve Roland and members of the Kitchen Team for their hard work and dedication to ensuring our Stewardship Breakfast was a major success! Everyone loved the menu items and it was quite evident - no one went home hungry. Many thanks and we are already looking forward to next year's breakfast! Buster Hunt, chair

Make plans to join us for Trinity's beloved Christmas Candlelight Concerts

Friday, Dec 15 at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec 16 at 7 p.m. To re-watch and enjoy the 2016 concert on our YouTube channel, click HERE. For more information, see Conya Hartman or call the Church Office.

SCHOOL-CHURCH PARTNERSHIPS On Monday, December 18th, members of Trinity will provide a Christmas lunch to the faculty and staff of Citrus Grove Elementary in recognition of their hard work and dedication to children. If you would like to help Pastor Dale (as one of his elves!) give him a call or email him using this link. We will be carpooling and leaving the church at 9 a.m. on the 18th. I am happy to report we hosted a mentor training at the church on Tuesday, November 7th. Some of the attendees have already made contact with their mentees, and from all indications, the program is off to a great start! This rewarding opportunity is still open to anyone who has a big heart for children in need of a caring adult. Want to get involved? Have questions? Feel free to call, text or email me. Merry Christmas to you and yours! Leslie LaRue, chair lelarue@gmail.com 386.748.8501

Ways to Help Trinity Grow!

As the new year approaches, we begin to reflect upon the many blessings bestowed upon us in 2017. The end of the year provides a great opportunity to thank God for these blessings by making a special gift to Trinity. To learn more, click HERE to read the full article on different ways to support our church and your family. And, for more information on planned giving and the different ways you can leave a legacy to Trinity, contact Anita Campbell or Pastor Dale.

CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRIES The Education Team met on Sunday, November 19th. We decided on the following events for the month of December. • December 3rd is Music Makers Sunday. The elementary Sunday school classes will participate with Music Makers during the Sunday School hour. Different activities will be planned including making cards to take to residents of the Alliance Center on December 10th. The children will deliver them along with a gift of candy canes.  • On December 17th, TUMC children and youth will go around to the adult Sunday school classes to sing a Christmas carol and deliver candy canes.  • December 22nd will be the Youth Christmas Party & Movie at the Redding’s house from 5-9 p.m.  • On December 24th, all children and youth are invited to help with the 5:30 p.m. Children’s Service. Trinity Youth will arrive at 1 p.m. to put out the luminaria along the church sidewalks. • A family skating event is being planned for late December. The date will be announced later. We will be holding a Confirmation Class in January for 6th grade and older youth to explore what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas! Lori Hansard, Children & Family Ministry Coordinator

FINANCIAL UPDATE October receipts - $35,790 Amount needed monthly to support 2017 budget - $37,063 Contributions pledged for 2018 (to date) - $212,047. Building fund giving through Oct. was $743,245. This represents 60.7% of pledges received for the three-year campaign which started June 2016.

GOD DOES ANSWER PRAYERS! Mark came to our Friday breakfast last month and felt comfortable enough to share his story with a few volunteers. He has some health issues that preclude him from having a steady job and is on assisted living support. Life has become very difficult for him, as he tries not to become a homeless statistic. We learned that Mark still needed transportation to and from his doctor, as well as other errands such as the grocery store. Since he cannot drive, Mark always relied on his bicycle which, he explained, was recently stolen. Walking is not an option with the distance he must travel. Pastor Dale shared Mark’s story with the Trinity Family and a member responded by giving Mark a beautiful bicycle with a basket on the front and a security chain to keep it from being stolen. Here in the United Methodist Church we find it important to not only pray for those in need, but also listen to God for ways we can be the answered prayer. That week, prayers were heard and answered. Praise be to God!

Join one of our Sunday School classes designed just for you!

THE DISCUSSION CLASS  For more information, contact Steve Roland , class leader. THE JOURNEY CLASS For more information, contact Melissa Fuller, class leader. THE TOGETHER CLASS For more information, contact Tom Cunningham, class leader. NOT YOUR MOMMA'S SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS For more information, contact Cindy Fox , class leader.

THE FRIENDSHIP CLASS When is the last time you heard the voice of God speaking to you? Where does he speak from? Is he alive? Is he dead? Do you care? Why do you attend church? Do you ever think about any of these questions? Some of us still do. That is why the Friendship Class still meets every Sunday morning in the Wesley Room. This adult class has been meeting since almost the founding of this church back in 1895. Most of you who are attending this church possibly are here because those who once were in this class took their faith seriously enough to strengthen their faith through Bible study and were encouraged to invite others to Trinity to worship and seek the Lord here. Our community, nation and the world need God's Gospel and many times that comes from people, Christ's followers just like you, through word and deed. Come join with the Friendship Class; open your heart and mind to God's word; acquire the knowledge to make your message not just opinion but God's truth. Friendship Class meets Sundays at 10 a.m. in the Wesley Room, located on the first floor (no stairs to climb). Open to all adults. Presently lead by Don Taylor, the current lesson material comes from the Bible and the United Methodist Church's Adult Bible Studies “Covenants With God”.   See you Sunday!  Don Taylor , class leader.

BRING A FRIEND AND JOIN US FOR THE NEXT YOUNG AT HEART LUNCHEON!

The next  Young At Heart Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, December 12 at 11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall . This month's theme will be An Old-Fashioned Christmas and our program will feature a Christmas Caroling Sing-A-Long. Plan now to invite your neighbors and friends ( who do not attend Trinity ) and join us! The member who brings the most guests wins a prize. The cost of the lunch is $7 per person. Reservations with payment are now requested in advance . Complete the reservation form found in Sunday's bulletin and insert with your payment in a pew envelope. Miss church? Mail or hand-deliver your reservation to the Church Office with your check no later than Monday, December 11th. RSVPs can also be made by calling or emailing Anita or John Campbell. MENU Ham Scolloped potatoes Green beans Salad Red Velvet Cake Make your plans today to join us!

TO MY TRINITY FAMILY Please accept my love and profound thanks for all the visits, cards, phone calls, concerns, prayers, and food I was blessed with during my recent illness. I was well taken care of, and I will not forget you. Love and Blessings, June Shearin

GOD HAS ASKED US TO GO OUT INTO THE WORLD AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN - PLEASE JOIN WITH US ON THE JOURNEY!

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