A NOTE FROM OUR PASTOR
Greetings!

Alive in Christ!
 
“…because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,  5  made us alive with Christ…” Eph 2:4 
 
Life is so exciting when we give the reins to Jesus. For those not familiar with “reins,” they are those long leather straps used to steer a horse. Just kidding! (You must know, I was raised with horses and know all about reins.) Of course, I could have used the expression, “Steering Wheel,” but that is just too ordinary.  “Creativity inspires creativity.” (Chip Gaines)
 
I’m supposed to be the one who inspires creativity in others; however, I must admit, I’m inspired by our youth going all the way up to Tennessee to help others, by the volunteers who cook and serve supper to a hungry community once a month, as well as those serving breakfast to many of the same folks.

I’m inspired by those who teach Bible lessons or children’s messages on Sunday. I’m inspired by the many folks who greet others under the umbrella each Sunday. I’m inspired by those who usher us into worship and those who host the fellowship time between services. I’m inspired by our Stephens Ministers and the TLC (tender loving care) ministry volunteers. I’m inspired by the many leaders in this church who serve in a variety of ways.

Let’s face it—there are a lot of folks serving the Lord in this church who inspire one another in selfless love. Trinity folks are “alive in Christ!” Spread the blessings and praise be to God; we have much to be thankful for. Go out in the love of Christ and inspire others to do likewise.

In Grace and Peace,

Pastor Dale
SERMONS FOR THE MONTH
"Oh, Grow Up!"
July 8-September 16 Series:

My very good friend, singing Evangelist, Rev Tom Kraeuter, wrote Oh, Grow Up! The Everyday Miracle of Becoming More Like Jesus . His book of wit and wisdom is an inspiration for a hurting and often out of control world. Rules do not change the character of the human heart. Tom helps us to reflect the character of God. Oh, Grow Up! leaves no doubt that, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”. (Philippians 1:6) Let me be clear: I don’t want to preach about the lack of “Christ-like behavior such as gentleness, kindness, truthfulness, and humility in the church". I want to preach on these subjects because I want to grow in Christ and improve my character. I invite you to join me in God’s sanctifying grace that has no bounds.

August 5 Consistency of Kindness
1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 Let’s be honest! Having a “consistent” attitude of kindness is not easy. Some days we just don't feel like being nice. St. Paul says “always seek to do good!” We don’t get a time out to be bad. Always means always. 

August 12 Foundation of Truthfulness
Ephesians 4:25-27 “Recent polls indicate that we, as a people, do not care in the least about whether our elected representatives lie to us (or to others) about their personal affairs.” Really? Should not followers of Jesus have a foundation of truthfulness?

August 19 The Lost Art of Loyalty
Exodus 32:10-14, 30-32 Loyalty and commitment were popular words in the 20th century, but do they have a place in the trendy 21st century? According to a George Barna poll, 11% of Christians plan to change their place of worship every year! What does our Bible say about loyalty?

August 26 The Trick of Taming the Tongue
Proverbs 12:17-22 “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” James 1:26 The tongue is the most difficult muscle in our entire body and we give excuses for its misbehavior often.
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.
August Events
BIRTHDAYS

1 Daniel VanDeusen
2 Lee Britton
2 Liz Unger
3 Keith Rooney
4 George VanDeusen
5 Danny Hunt
5 Megan Thomas
8 Leanne Adams
11 Virgie Erickson
13 Ed Krein
13 Bill Ward
16 Ed Plummer
16 Ann Simons
17 Marlee Baumgartner
18 Cecelia DeBellis
18 Alex Ford
18 Kay Pitts
18 Sally VanDeusen
19 David Griffis
25 Bob Kellogg
28 William Bosco
28 Sally Ford
30 Michael Austin 
STAY IN TOUCH WITH US!

If your contact information (name, mailing address, telephone number, email address) has recently changed, please notify the church. You can call the office at (386) 734-4425 or email Lori Jones at [email protected].
To call, write or send a member a card or email, contact the church office to request an updated "People Directory."
Are you getting our weekly phone calls? If not, call the church office and we can check the list to ensure your number is correct.
ANNIVERSARIES

01 Bob & Becky Kellogg
  • 48 yrs
03 Jeff & Lori Hansard
  • 27 yrs
05 Billy & Mandy Austin
  • 23 yrs
06 Dail & Barbara Helms
  • 30 yrs
12 Rick & Lori Jones
  • 40 yrs
15 Marty & Sue Atkinson
  • 60 yrs
15 David & Sue Jackson
  • 43 yrs
19 Ed & Judy Krein
  • 54 yrs
26 Troy & Angela Baumgartner
  • 23 yrs
31 Lee & Ruth Packer
  • 33 yrs
  • The church calendar is always available for viewing and can be accessed anytime. Simply visit http://www.trinitydeland.org/events to view and print. To submit corrections, changes or new entries, send the information to Lori Jones in the church office.

  • Trinity Today newsletter is distributed electronically by email. Current and older issues can also be viewed on the church website http://www.trinitydeland.org/newsletter. Printed copies are available for pickup in the Narthex. If you need to have a newsletter mailed to you, contact Lori Jones in the church office.
IN MEMORIAM

Bernice Fishpaw - January 2018
Hank Kobler - January 2018
Ann Husfeld - January 2018
Hubert Talton - January 2018
Marjorie Humston - February 2018
Louise Pennington - February 2018
Jean Clayton - March 2018
David Churms - April 2018
Jerrie Shepard - June 2018
POV (POINT OF VIEW) CONVERSATIONS
TO BE HELD AT TRINITY

Greetings and Good Day,

You are invited to experience something different. Different because it's not common. Different because it's counter-cultural. It's called POV (Point of View).
 
POV is a three-week experience that makes space for engaging difficult conversations through the lens of empathy, context and mission. It’s a space where you can bring your thoughts, questions, emotions, and heart without the fear of being judged or coerced.
 
It’s uncommon because, in our polarized world, there are not many spaces left that don’t have dividing lines. It’s counter-cultural because often we are sold a false narrative of in or out, us or them, black or white. At POV, we are all in, we are all us, and our ideas are expressed in a spectrum of culture and color.
 
We listen, we share, we reflect, we engage.

So if you want to come to an uncommon experience and grow in empathy, come to the first ever POV series at Trinity. Our conversation will be around “Preparing the Way Forward.” This experience has been designed with help from the Florida Annual Conference and is meant to help prepare for the ongoing work and conversation around the Way Forward. You can learn more about the Way Forward at www.umc.org/wayforward.

We hope you will consider joining us and contributing your POV. We would love to hear it. POV sessions will be held on Wednesdays in the fellowship hall (with coffee and sweets provided) and are presented as follows:
 
Session 1

September 5th          9:00am-10:30am            
September 5th          5:30pm-7:00pm            

Session 2 

September 12th         9:00am-10:30am              
September 12th         5:30pm-7:00pm            

Session 3

September 19th         9:00am-10:30am              
September 19th         5:30pm-7:00pm  
 
We hope you will join us for some insightful experiences, fellowship, genuine and respectful conversation around issues we face as United Methodists.
 
In Christ,
 
Your POV Committee
(For more information, contact Karen Averill)
GETTING READY FOR THE BIG DAY!
SEPTEMBER 26 – 28, 2018
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, Kansas

Equip
Learn how to equip your ministry team with practical
ministry ideas translatable to your context.

  • Pre-Institute speakers sharing their latest, most innovative ministry ideas
  • General Session Speakers sharing the newest leadership growth strategies to help maximize your leadership impact
  • 70+ ministry-specific breakout workshops with useful and feasible take-aways from every session adaptable to your own ministry setting

Strengthen
Build up the local church by renewing leaders and
reinforcing the vision of both clergy and laity.

  • Create plans and ideas for your congregation to reach new people
  • Maximize your impact as an effective leader and a strong leadership team
  • Discover God’s clear purpose for your call to ministry and leadership to fulfill the church’s mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world

Inspire
Come away recommitted, passionate and confident
for the future of your church and ministry.

  • Experience vibrant worship, prayer and encouragement to help you find hope, meaning and purpose as a Christ-follower and a leader
  • Connect and fellowship with peers from a variety of ministry contacts across the country
  • Cast a vision for your church to transform lives and your community

Pastor Dale was truly inspired last year when he attended the 2017 Leadership Institute. Trinity plans to send a small contingency to the 2018 Leadership Institute in September. If you are interested, please see Pastor Dale Golden for details.
TREASURER'S REPORT
June 2018

General Operating Fund
  • Receipts - $196,748
  • Disbursements - $ 238,814
  • Net surplus/deficit - ($ 42,066)
Average needed weekly - $ 8,400
Average received weekly - $ 6,830

Capital Campaign Fund
  • Total Pledged $ 1,223,596
  • Received To Date $ 953,795
  • Percent of Total 78.0%
TRINITY BUILDING COMMITTEE
The Building Committee reports that the "site plan" is nearly completed. Our architect, Dana Smith, is working hard to finalize. A proposal has been received from a construction company interested in the project and is under review. For more information, contact a member of the Building Committee or Alex Ford, chair.
MISSIONS AND OUTREACH
OUR PURPOSE

To spread the love of Christ and connect our congregation with opportunities to serve our community, both locally and globally.

Jan Edwards, a leader in the movement to prevent human trafficking , recently presented a message at First Christian Church which was well-received. Lori Hansard is working on arrangements for her to speak to Trinity’s youth. Funds have been set aside to cover her fee.

The Citrus Grove Sock Drive is in progress through August. Thank you for your support! Currently, the sneakers line item in our budget has $1700 in it which should enable us to buy sneakers (and socks, if needed) for the next giveaway which will be in October. We will need an additional $1500, however, to buy Sneakers again in the spring. Another drive is planned for that time.

Dona Butler and Cindy Fox will work with Lisa Eddy from Community UMC in DeBary on making welcome baskets for the residents of the house this fall (including our own Maia Carr!). On August 3rd, from 4 to 8 p.m., there will be a work/service project at Wesley House painting residents’ rooms, doing housekeeping and landscaping to prepare the house for the arrival of fall students. Volunteers are needed. Bring your work gloves and tools!

Dan Vergara presented an initial budget for the four-day "fact-finding" advance mission trip to Cuba. (Dan, Dale Golden, Mark Moor, and Rick Jones will be going in October/November.) A rough estimate looks like it will cost approximately $ 5,000 for the entire group. The committee will finalize the budget, which will nail down the cost per participant and will outline what will be needed from individual and church contributions, as well as any special event fundraising that will be needed. Once reviewed, the budget request will be submitted to the Finance Committee for its consideration/recommendation, and then on to Church Council for its approval.

Next month, team members plan to lead a Missions Sunday during both services where we will share our vision and present ways for members to get involved in outreach ministries of the church, such as Cuba trips, InterFaith Kitchen, Wesley House, Citrus Grove, Breakfast at Trinity and ME STRONG. At the end of each service, we intend to hand out a survey so people can sign up for a project and/or give us input on other projects. Stay tuned for more exciting news and activities as we step up our efforts to expand, improve and increase the number of outreach ministries at Trinity!

Cindy Fox, Team Leader
BREAKFAST AT TRINITY

Breakfast at Trinity continues throughout the hot months of summer. Many of our regular volunteers are on vacation, however, so we are in need of YOU to step in and help. The jobs are ones you can do easily: pour drinks, wash dishes, serve food, give out crackers when they leave, or talk to those eating with us.

Breakfast at Trinity is always held on the fourth Friday of every month from 9:30 – 11:15 a.m. Come join us! For more info, call me at (386) 736-1008.

Lana Saxon, Breakfast coordinator
HOSPITALITY TEAM UPDATE

Thanks to a donation from the Jenkins family, members of the Hospitality Team have added a large umbrella to give volunteers and visitors some welcomed shade by the Welcome Table. Check it out whenever you come to worship on Sundays. All are welcome to stop by and chat a bit - both before and after services!

We’d like to keep doing this, weather permitting. Won't you join us? The great news is that Miro has agreed to bring the table and umbrella out from the elevator area (where stored) every Sunday by 8:00 a.m., then he will put it all back inside following the 11:00 a.m. service. (Thank you, Miro!) Now, all we need is you!

Contact Judy Ross or Ann Jenkins to sign-up.
SCHOOL-CHURCH PARTNERSHIP: IT'S BACK TO SCHOOL (BTS) TIME!

Summer is a quiet time for schools unless you are a summer site, like George Marks Elementary this year. However, I assure you, all our schools are busy preparing for the 2018-2019 school year. Students will return on August 13th, which is approaching quickly. I am very grateful for the efforts of Lana Saxon and other Trinity members for purchasing sneakers and socks for Citrus Grove Elementary’s needy students. I know they are very grateful for these donations.

Trinity's Missons & Outreach Team is planning to provide teachers at Citrus Grove with a surprise (shhhh...) BTS lunch and gift in the coming weeks. Keep a look-out for the date and time, for I know volunteers will be needed to set up, greet teachers, give out gifts and clean up after the event. For more information or to volunteer, contact Cindy Fox.

Leslie LaRue, Partnership Leader
SOCKS FOR KIDS CAMPAIGN

Sock donations are being collected in the Pink Bin located in the Fellowship Hall. Money is also coming in for socks and sneakers. Thanks so much, Trinity!

Continue to buy low-cut or ankle socks, boys and girls sizes from 13 (small foot) to 10 (older kids). Kids in need at Citrus Grove Elementary will be given new sneakers in early December and April. Each pair of sneakers costs about $30 – 35. Two pairs of socks also are given.

Your contributions will help us continue this project that started back in 2015. All checks should be written to Trinity and designated for Sneakers for Kids. The smiles and excitement on the kids' faces when they receive their new sneakers are something to see! No more smelly, torn, taped together, too little or too big sneakers! New sneakers bring confidence and pride!

Lana Saxon, Sneakers for Kids Coordinator
INTERFAITH KITCHEN VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Volunteers are needed (individually or in ministry teams) to prepare and serve meals to the homeless and destitute of our community through the Interfaith Kitchen, located at First UMC. Trinity has agreed to provide this service to the least of these - including men, women and children - on the third Tuesday of every month. That's just once a month...only 12 times a year.

The recurring dates have been set through 2019 and put on the church calendar. Time to report is 4:30 p.m. Event reminders will be posted in the weekly worship bulletin and monthly newsletter.

Melissa Fuller is coordinating this outreach ministry and she needs enough man/woman power to fill at least five 2-hour volunteer slots every month. If you love to cook and would like to help her plan or prepare meals in advance, she will need to speak with you as soon as possible. Email her using this email address link or see her at church on Sunday.
NURTURING & WITNESS MINISTRIES
PRAYER CORNER

Before Holt and I were married, we had to attend the obligatory Pastor’s counseling session. We fully expected to be in his office for at least an hour but, instead, Dr. Edgar gave us only three words of advice, “Talk about it!” He should have added “and do so respectfully not only when speaking but when listening”.

At a planning meeting for our three Point of View (POV ) sessions to be held in September, Rev. Beth Fogle-Miller, mentioned the words, “respectful conversation" and “ respectful communication” as goals we must endeavor to achieve in order to accomplish our purpose. In recent years our nation has been in short supply of communicating and listening with respect for one another. Quite simply, it appears we have lost the art of respectful communication.

Let’s be clear right at the start, POV sessions are not designed to change minds or twist arms with regard to the upcoming position the UMC will decide upon regarding our ministry to LGBTQI persons.The point of these discussions will not be to sway someone to believe what others believe but to learn something from someone else. We want to find a better way to have a conversation about the way the United Methodist Church will move forward and carry out the UMC Mission Statement, “To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world”. If we are to have a healthy and generative dialogue and remain unified as a church, the key components will be to do so respectfully and with fervent prayer.

Eric Law at the Kaleidoscope Institute developed this acronym breakdown for the word RESPECT, found on the UMC communications website:

R -     Responsibility . Take responsibility for what you say. Use “I “.
E-     Empathetic listening . Put yourself in another person’s shoes.
S-     Sensitive . Be sensitive to differences. Some talk stories, others,
succinctly.
P-     Ponder . Ponder what you feel and hear before you speak.  
E-     Examine your own presumptions and perceptions.
C-     Confidentiality . Share constructively to uphold the well-being of the group.
T-     Trust . We are not here to debate who is right or wrong. The more we
respect one another and practice empathy, the more we are able to listen
and reconcile.

This is a helpful reminder of how to have a respectful and productive conversation but it is prayer that is the heart of the matter. Without God’s wisdom and guidance, we’re just spinning our wheels. Go to Proverbs 2:1-6 to become inspired, for it will reveal the secret of how to acquire divine wisdom and guidance. Please pray with me:

Dear God of mercy, love and forgiveness,

For a moment we are putting everything aside to just enjoy being alone with you. It is so peaceful here and we’d like to linger but a world of cares awaits our attention. We’ve come asking you to renew our strength to meet these demands and to seek your wisdom and guidance. Reveal to us your divine plan for the future of our church and for the greater good for all your children. Finally, Father, help us to "talk about it" with love and to each other with respect. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
 
Please pray for Trinity every day and join me in praying through our church directory for:

Mark & JoAnn Cheesman, Cecil & Lina Chester, Bill Churms & family, Rev. Hermie & Norma Clemente, and Gwen & Dilbert Clifton

Blessings,

Carolyn Harner, Prayer Team Coordinator
CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRIES
Trinity's youth and the youth group from Community UMC in DeBary experienced a wonderful joint mission trip to Gatlinburg,Tennessee, last month. Thank you to all who supported and enabled us to go! On the trip, we had lots of fun and enjoyed getting to know each other. Our team was assigned to work on a house in the town of Maryville which needed a new roof and laminate flooring. It was hard work but the teens (and adults!) learned a lot and accomplished their tasks.

Our annual F.R.O.G. (Fully Relying on God) Week is fast-approaching. This is the time of year when we welcome rising 6th graders to the Trinity Youth program, as well as recruit new members. The youth from Community-DeBary UMC will be joining with us, which will make it twice as much fun! F.R.O.G. Week will take place the week of July 29th-August 4th. We will be going roller-skating, playing games like Ultimate Frisbee and Minute-It-to-Win-It, bowling, as well as going to Berryville, to the movies, and on a scavenger hunt. The week will end with a Back To School Bash party on Saturday, August 4th. Pictures and short videos will soon be posted to the church's Facebook page and website so be sure to check out those sites!!

Our elementary-age Sunday school children have thoroughly enjoyed their G.I.G. ( God Is Great! ) Program this summer featuring a one-room school house, music and snacks. We will be having Promotion Sunday on August 12th, where we will enjoy fun activities. Then everyone celebrates as they "move" to their new classes. (As always, our rising 6th graders are especially excited to be moving upstairs to our "big" middle-high school rooms!)

The elementary classes will use the Whirl curriculum again this fall, and the middle school/high school classes will enjoy a Journey through the Bible.

Trinity Youth will be going to Rock the Universe on September 8th and have a lock-in afterward. (Hopefully we will not have to cancel due to a hurricane, like we did last year when Irma hit our area!)

As you can see, things are happening here at Trinity. Praise God!

Lori Hansard, Children & Family Ministry Director

MUSIC & WORSHIP MINISTRIES

Join the Chancel Choir!

We are looking for singers who love to praise and worship our Lord with joyful hearts and voices. Come and be a part of our Chancel Choir. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Rehearsals will resume on August 8th.

Music Makers Christmas Program

Music Makers Drama Camp was a big success with 19 children participating, 11 of them were first time campers! Save the dates for our Children’s Christmas Musical. After-school rehearsals will begin Monday, August 27th, from 2:30-4:30 for 2nd – 5th graders.
The musical will be presented the 2nd Sunday, December 9th, for both the 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. services. Look for a registration form on the church website.

Conya Hartman, Director of Music and Worship
SUSANNA CIRCLE NEWS

Last year, members of Susanna Circle made three micro-loans of $25 each to women in various countries through the KIVA program. Our loans were to be repaid in 14 months.

Linda, a 22-year old woman from Colombia who is married with two daughters, wanted to buy more chickens to raise. She learned how to raise chickens from her mother and wants her daughters to be educated. Paying anywhere from $1 to $3, she has now fully repaid her loan. Amanda, a 21-year old from Ecuador, cultivates beans, peas, and broad beans with her mother. She needed money for fertilizer, fungicide and labor. 82% of her loan has been paid back. Now she wants to support her sister in her studies.

We are thrilled to be helping women who want to better themselves and their families through our donations. Care to help? Susanna Circle meets on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at different locations. This month, we will meet for dinner out at a local restaurant on Monday, August 13th. Contact me by email to reserve a seat for you!

Lana Saxon, Circle Leader
WAYS TO GROW & DEEPEN YOUR FAITH
ADULT OPPORTUNITIES

Visitors are always welcome to attend any of our small Bible study groups. If you would like more info on these or other adult classes and groups, contact Cindy Fox, Adult Education Coordinator, by email here .
THE DISCUSSION CLASS

The Discussion Class has been reading and discussing current Christian books by authors such as Adam Hamilton and Andy Stanley. The class also uses the FaithLink series which features a different current topic every week, relating it to our faith, our values and our denomination. When available, videos are used. Leadership is shared. This class meets in the Pastor's study on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. For more information, contact Becky and Bob Kellogg or Jill and Jeff Churchill (Oct-Apr).
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

We are continuing our study of the Book of Romans. For more information, contact Cindy Fox, class leader.
THE FRIENDSHIP CLASS

The 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. The current lesson material comes from the Bible and the United Methodist Church's Adult Bible Studies “Covenants With God”. For more information, contact  Don Taylor , class leader.
WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY

The Wednesday Women's Bible Study group meets Wednesday mornings at 9 a.m. in the Wesley Room, located on the first floor. Open to all adult women. The current lesson material comes from the Bible but popular video studies, created by authors/speakers like Beth Moore, have been used. For more information, contact  Cindy Fox , group leader.
MEN'S BIBLE STUDY

Trinity's Men's Bible Study group meets Wednesday mornings at 9 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The study material comes from the Bible. For more information, contact  Don Halavin , group leader.
SCRIPTURE WITH THE PASTOR

Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy an hour with our pastor, as he explores Scriptural passages that he uses as the basis for his Sunday sermons. This group has been known to engage and question his selections. So much so, he has opted to re-write his messages! The group meets on Monday mornings at 10 a.m. in the pastor's study. For more information, contact Pastor Dale , group leader.
WOMEN'S EVENING BIBLE STUDY

A new Summer Women's Bible Study group has been formed that meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. the format is to complete each study in eight-week increments. The group meets in the Wesley Room, which is the first room on the right off the Wisconsin Avenue entrance. For more information, contact  Cindy Fox , study leader.
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.
WAYS TO SERVE
  • Want to help in the office? Contact Lori Jones.
  • Willing to be an usher or greeter on Sundays? Contact Dave Shipman or Jennifer Griffis.
  • Love cooking and want to serve on our Kitchen Team? Contact Karen Averill or Betty Kobler.
  • Want to serve the least of these through our monthly Breakfast at Trinity ministry? Contact Lana Saxon.
  • Willing to call, write or visit homebound members? Contact Debra Wood or John Campbell.
  • Want to help our TLC (Trinity Loving Care) team with funeral services, receptions and bereavement calls? Contact Debbie Bennett.
  • Love kids and want to serve as a volunteer or mentor in local schools? Contact Leslie LaRue or John Campbell.
  • Interested in serving on the Altar Guild? Contact Cherrie Cassleberry or Becky Kellogg.
  • Want to help preserve, protect and pack our historical artifacts for the BIG MOVE? Contact Debbie and Steve Miller.
  • Willing to learn how to operate our sound board? See Conya Hartman.
  • Interested in reading scripture and/or participating in worship services? See Pastor Dale or Conya Hartman.
  • Want to help get our new Nurture Team up and running? Contact Donna Beaty or Pastor Dale to learn more.
  • Find it easy to talk with people about your faith? We would love to form a team that will focus on ways to strenthen our ability to witness to others. If interested, see Pastor Dale or one of our retired clergy members.
  • Are you an outgoing extrovert and love people? Willing to serve as an "ambassador" for Trinity at church and area events? Consider joining the Hospitality Team. See Judy Ross or Ann Jenkins.
NEWS FROM THE FLORIDA CONFERENCE
AND BISHOP KENNETH CARTER

How can I learn more about the Way Forward?


  1. For information about the Point of View (POV) process, which has been happening in many of our local churches, click here. The purpose is to create empathy in congregations and communities and to approach the LGBTQ conversation from a posture of listening to scripture and each other. POV was developed by a cross section of leaders across a theological spectrum and is also being used as a resource in other conferences.
  2. Bishop Ken Carter will convene four regional gatherings in Tallahassee, Winter Park, Boca Raton and Bradenton in September around the theme "The Cross and the Flame". These follow six meetings over the last two years, which were held in Gainesville, Cape Coral, Loxahatchee, Jacksonville, Tampa and Orlando. Bishop Carter will reflect on the future of the church and take time answering submitted questions. To register for one of these gatherings or to submit a question, click here. Smaller and more focused conversations will also take place around the Conference.
  3. Rev. Alex Shanks will be present in the eight districts this fall to review the three plans that are present in the Commission on a Way Forward’s report to the Special Session of the General Conference. To see the report click here. The date and format of your district gathering will be communicated by your superintendent and can be found here (note: some of these meetings will be held during clergy meetings). These district gatherings follow the presentations about the Way Forward held in each district in the Winter of 2018.
  4. The Special Session of the General Conference will be held in St. Louis, February 23-26, 2019. To learn more about the Special Session or how to attend the Special Session as a visitor, click here. The names of our delegation to the General Conference, with equal representation of laity and clergy and led by Molly McEntire and Rev. Alex Shanks, are listed here.
  5. The Conference Table, convened by our Lay Leader Paulette Monroe and Bishop Ken Carter, will include an open conversation with our General Conference delegates about the Special Session in February. The meeting will be on October 20 in Lakeland. To register for this gathering or to learn more about how to participate, see this link.
  6. We encourage you to share this page with others, www.flumc.org/wayforward, which contains videos, testimonies, and links to the Annual Conference presentations by a number of our leaders, including Way Forward Commission members Rev. Jorge Acevedo and Alice Williams.
  7. Bishop Carter’s book, Embracing The Wideness of God’s Mercy, will be published by Abingdon Press in late August, and is available through Amazon and Cokesbury. You can learn more about the book here. It includes material that has been included in local churches and clergy gatherings in the Florida Conference, and is a traditional evangelical case for greater inclusion of LGBTQ persons in our local churches.
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!
306 W. Wisconsin Avenue,
DeLand, Florida 32720