Pastoral Reflections
November 12, 2017

Praise the Lord Trinity! I pray that you and your family have experienced the Amazing Grace and stimulating preeminence of our Awesome God in significant ways this week, and you have come ready to enter His gates with thanksgiving in your heart, and praise on your lips. This morning as we gather to worship God in spirit and in truth let me express my gratitude to our guest worshipping with us today. You are welcome here at Trinity Church and I pray God's richest blessings upon you and your families. If you and/or your family are looking for a Church home, we welcome you with open arms to this versatile ministry & multi-generational experience. Everybody needs a church family and a pastor. We aspire to be yours!  
 
Trinity, continuing from last week's reflection- Seven basic components of corporate worship, here are components three and four:
 
3. Scripture reading as corporate worship : Paul tells Timothy that when the church is gathered, they need to "give attention to the public reading of Scripture. The context of I Timothy reveals that Paul viewed this kind of reading as connected to, but nevertheless different from, the teaching and preaching of God's word. Paul's commands is likely modeled off of the example of Ezra in the courtyard of the temple: "Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed Yahweh the great God. And all the people answered, 'Amen, Amen!' while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low and worshiped Yahweh with their faces to the ground" (Neh 8:5-6). That passage, which is preceded by similar events in the life of Israel's kings, shows the noteworthy connection between scripture reading and worship.
 
I think of Scripture reading as the reading of the Word without explanation or exposition. This accomplishes the following:
  •  It highlights the authority of God's Word, and that the congregation (including the elders and leaders) are under it.
  •  It highlights the perspicuity and clarity of God's Word, by having it read clearly and without explanation, and seeing the force that it brings.
  •  It uses Scripture as much of it was intended (such as the Psalms, for example); namely, for public worship.
  •  This has been the practice of the church since its inception, and was also the practice of the Jews of Jesus' time. It is practiced in most liturgical churches, and in much of the Reformation, Puritan, and Reformed traditions.
 
4. Giving as corporate worship: Christians are called to be faithfully supporting the church that they worship in. Paul commands that if a Christian sits under the teaching of God's word, they should be helping to support that pastor financially (I Timothy 5:17-18). This command takes giving out of the realm of preference, and makes it a Christian obligation. Elsewhere, Paul explains how that giving should happen as a part of corporate worship. Paul viewed his support as a missionary as a gift not from individuals, but from the church in Philippi as a whole. He describes the offering he is asking for from the Roman church as one that can be received when he comes to visit the church (Rom 16:25-27). Paul describes how this offering should be gathered on "the first day of the week" (I Cor 16:2). In fact, the entire chapter of II Corinthians 9 describes the joy of giving when the church gathers, and how that corporate giving works as an act of worship to God, in that if it is collected properly it is "producing thanksgiving to God". As the church gathers and gives, it causes a desire to hear the news of how God is using the offering to take the gospel to the world. This leads to an increase in "prayer on behalf" of missionaries, which has the effect of causing the congregation to say "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift". TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK!!!! STAY TUNED!!!!!!
 
Praise God From Who All Blessings Flow!
   
Dr. John D. Tolbert
Senior Pastor

Sharing, Sowing & Seeking 2017
 

Home Daily Bible Reading
Nov 13  God's Awesome Power . . . . . . . . . . . .  Psalm 66:1-4
Nov 14  Covenant Blessings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew 5:1-12
Nov 15  Keep Your Covenant with God . . . . . . . Deuteronomy 4:21-24
Nov 16  Praise God for Answered Prayer . . . . .  Psalm 66:16-20
Nov 17  Everlasting Single Sacrifice for Sin . . . . Hebrews 10:11-18
Nov 18  Mediator of the New Covenant . . . . . . . Hebrews 9:11-15
Nov 19  Receiving the Unshakable Kingdom . . . Hebrews 12:14-15, 18-29
 
  
  
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY INVOLVEMENT
                   

 
Sunday, November 12, 2017
7:00am ~ Morning Glory
8:00am ~ Morning Worship
9:30am ~ Sunday School
11:00am ~ Morning Worship
11:00 ~ Children's Church
5:00pm ~ Celebration of Praise
 
 
Monday, November 13, 2017
6:30pm ~ Children's Ushers (Sanc)
6:30pm ~ F.L.I.G.H.T.
7:00pm ~ Christmas Play Rehearsal
7:00pm ~ Men's Chorus Rehearsal
 
 
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
6:00pm ~ B3 Night (Youth Night)
6:00pm ~ Prayer, Praise & Bible Study
 
 
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
11:30am ~ Prayer
12:00pm ~ Bible Study
6:00pm ~ Corporate Prayer - Leaders: Deacons, Christian Ed., Music (All Choirs), T.M.T. Mime, & B3 Youth Ministries
 
 
Thursday, November 16, 2017
6:00pm ~ Christmas Play Rehearsal
 
 
Saturday, November 18, 2017
10:00am-2:00pm ~ Young Heroes
Official Ministry
 

                               
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The Food Pantry needs your food donations. Some requested food items for the pantry are canned vegetables, canned pastas, canned meats and cold cereal. The holiday season is fast approaching, remember to start stocking up on items for the Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets now. Monetary donations are always welcome.
 
The Road to 100 Centennial Committee is looking for members of Trinity that have been here for 50+ years. If that is you or if you know of someone, please contact the church office and leave the name.
 
The Music & Worship Arts Ministry , under the leadership of Minister of Worship, Min. Jelani L. Jones, would like to invite you to "A Celebration of Praise"; Sunday, November 12th at 5:00pm. This celebration will feature the Adult and Youth Choirs, Trinity Mime Team and Special Guests. We look forward to your attendance as we worship and praise God...On the Road to 100!

Trinity Missionary Baptist Church will be having a Christmas Brunch on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at the Pontiac Centerpoint Marriott. Tickets are now available for purchase after either service. Ticket prices are Children 6-12 years old $20.00; Adults - $35.00; Children under 5 years are free. Please see Dea. Thurley or Deac. Joan Love for ticket purchases in the Fellowship Hall.

The Trinity General Mission is establishing a cold weather closet in support of those in the community who are in need of cold weather gear.  We are collecting serviceable and new coats, scarves and hats/caps for men, women and children. In addition, we are collecting new gloves and warm socks.  Your participation is requested.  If items are used, we request that coats, scarves and caps be freshly cleaned and that gloves, and socks are new.  Coats need to be delivered to Trinity on hangers in plastic coverings and marked "Coat Closet".  Other items should be bagged and clearly marked.  A coat rack will be placed in the vestibule or Founders Hall for your convenience.  You may start to bring items as soon as possible.  Thanks for your support. Contact Sister Epps or any General Mission Member if you have questions.
 
SAVE THE DATE-  In honor and celebration of Trinity's 100th Anniversary we will have a Centennial Directory! Individual and/or family members will have the opportunity to have their photo and designated contact information in the Directory. Each family will receive a free directory and 8X10 portrait as well as access to electronic capability if all of our members and families schedule and appear for photo sessions with Lifetouch Photography. The Friends & Family Program will allow for non-Trinity members to be photographed and receive an 8X10 portrait free of charge! The first set of photo sessions will take place on December 14th and 15th, 2017 in Pastor's Memorial Hall. Onsite scheduling for the December Photo Sessions will begin on November 5th, 2017.  Members can register in the vestibule on Sundays after 8AM and 11 AM Services or log in to 100.TrinityMBC.org beginning at 4:00PM on Sunday, November 5th! Online registration will not be available on Sundays between 8 AM and 4:00 PM!  Get ready to smile for the camera!


JOB POSTINGS:
 
Trinity Christian Child Development Center & Academy Is Now  Hiring. T rinity Christian Child Development Center & Academy has positions available for 3 part-time employees. Requirements are listed below.
  • Can work between 20 and 30 hours per week
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Prior day care experience
  • CDA or collage credits in Early Childhood Development preferred
  • Enjoys working with children
  • Can pass both the DHS (Department of Human Services) and the State of Michigan background check.
If you would enjoy working in a loving Christian environment with delightful young children and meet the requirements listed above, please pick up an application from Trinity Baptist Church (between the hours of 9:30 am and 4:30 pm) and return it along with your resume'.  
CHURCH MISSION STATEMENT
 
"The Trinity Missionary Baptist Church is spiritually impacting our families, neighborhoods, city, and state by Exalting the Savior, Equipping the Saints & Evangelizing the Sinners.  Ephesians 4:10-15.
 
He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting  of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. Ephesians 4:10-15
 

 
VISION STATEMENT
 
Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. 
Habakkuk 2:2

The Trinity Missionary Baptist Church will be a 21st century model for the Christian Community.  Our hope is to be a church family that faithfully and intentionally prioritizes ministry initiatives following the example of Jesus Christ, the teaching of the Apostles, and the New Testament Church.
 
We will be a God-Centered Church, devoted to the practices and disciplines of personal discipleship, evangelism, and servant ministry.  We will be determined to promote the Gospel, and share the Compassion of the Lord Jesus Christ through missions, evangelism, and outreach.

Where there is no vision the people will perish. Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no finance the vision will perish.
 

 
CHURCH THEME
 
The Church Working on the Lord's Harvest (Luke 10:2), through Sharing the Gospel (Mark 16:2; I Peter 4:1-6), Sowing into the Community (Luke 10:26-37),  and Searching for the Lost One (Matthew 18:12-14