Greetings!
I'm Retiring, Not Dying!
Sometimes in the United Methodist Church it seems like, when a pastor leaves a congregation, they are completely cut off from all contact -- almost as if the pastor has died. That really isn’t the case. We are just moving to Lakeland, 99 miles away, where we will be loved by two daughters, two sons-in-law and nine grandchildren.
If you’ve been United Methodist for a while, you’ve come to expect a pastor’s farewell to include instructions about the leaving pastor not returning to do weddings and funerals, and needing to limit contacts. What often gets left out of the discussion is the “why” behind this practice. Let me share both the “why” and some details about our future together…
▪ My hope is that you will “release” me from the obligations of being your pastor. This changes our relationship because when I am no longer your pastor, I am free to fully be your friend. As a friend, I can celebrate with you, and weep with you —without the additional responsibilities of being your pastor. I can do that because I am confident that your pastoral needs are cared for by my colleagues in the Florida United Methodist Conference.
▪ I don’t want to cheat you out of the opportunity to bond with your new pastor. Many times pastors grow close to people and families when they walk together through seasons of illness and death, when they journey together to the wedding altar, or walk through tough times. That is true of my relationship with many of you. My hope and prayer is that you will form that same kind of intimate bond with your new pastor.
▪ My leaving does not imply that I forgot you, or love you any less nor will I cease to care about you. Our lines of communication need not be completely severed, but the focus and the frequency of our communications will change.
▪ What I won’t do is this: engage in conversation about the details of the running of the church. I am happy to know about you and your family, even the successes and changes at the church, but I won’t even listen to particulars. My interest is in general not specifics. I won't have pastoral care or counseling conversations.
Finally, please let your new pastor be who they really are. I’m confident we’re totally different people with completely different styles. Be as open to him or her as you were to Joleen and me when we came here.
I believe our retirement is of God. I also believe that Joleen and I have been tremendously blessed by coming to Trinity UMC in DeLand and getting to know and love all of you. Should you want to be in touch, our home address is as follows: 4331 Watkins Lane, Lakeland, FL 33813. My cell phone number is not changing (989) 330-1932.
Shalom,
Pastor Dale
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JOIN US FOR COMMUNION
On the first Sunday of each month, we observe the Sacrament of
Communion
in all Sanctuary worship services. Your next opportunity to partake is
Sunday, March 3rd
.
We will also serve communion on
Ash Wednesday, March 6th
during a special worship service, beginning at 6 p.m.
Please make plans to join with us!
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WORSHIP SERVICES FOR THE MONTH
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Our Lenten sermon series in March will study
The Lord’s Prayer.
"Jesus, the master instructor, one who roamed the countryside teaching about faithful Jewish religious life, makes prayer a necessary element of the disciple’s life in one of the most famous sermons ever recorded in all of human history — the Sermon on the Mount. Prayer wasn’t just something for religious leaders to do, according to Jesus. Prayer was for the common person also. Jesus knew that prayer does not change God — but he also knew that prayer does change those who pray. This is what Jesus models for us in what the Christian community commonly calls The Lord’s Prayer, found in both Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:1-4."
March 3 -
Our Father Who Art
Matthew 6:9
March 6 -
Ash Wednesday Service - 6 p.m.
Psalm 51: 1-17 & 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
March 10 -
Thy Kingdom Come
Matthew 6:10
March 17 -
Give Us This Day
Matthew 6:11
March 24 -
Forgive Us Our Trespasses
Matthew 6:12 Rev Dan Casselberry preaching
March 31 -
Lead us…Deliver Us
Matthew 6:13
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MOST WORSHIP SERVICES ARE NOW BEING VIDEO RECORDED AND POSTED TO
FACEBOOK
AND
YOUTUBE
. PLEASE
FOLLOW US ON
FACEBOOK
OR 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.
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BIRTHDAYS
2 Sharon Lyster
3 Steven Gagnier
4 Ed Hencinski
7 Barbara Brunning
7 Russ McGehee
7 David Wall
14 Sue Jackson
15 Arnon Clemente
20 Mary Gilmore
22 Aria Brunning
22 Dale Golden
22 Brian Smith
22 Karl Umberger
24 Judy Ward
28 Dale Sisk
29 Conya Hartman
30 Riley Wasdin
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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, the office manager at
officemgr@trinitydeland.org.
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To call, write or send a member a card or email, contact the church office to request an updated
"People Directory."
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ANNIVERSARIES
3 Dave & Jennifer Griffis
10 Dick & Barbara Brunning
18 Ed & Louise O'Quinn
23 Troy & Jennifer Panda
25 Bob & Sandy Allinson
28 Lee & Beth Britton
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The church
Calendar of Events is
always available for viewing and can be accessed anytime - 24/7. 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.
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Trinity Today, our monthly newsletter, is distributed by email. Current and older issues can 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 the church office.
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FROM THE EAST CENTRAL
DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT
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February 17, 2019
Greetings Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As most of you know by now, Pastor Dale will be retiring on March 31, 2019.
Bishop Carter and his cabinet are committed to identifying and appointing a pastor with the gifts to meet the needs of Trinity United Methodist Church for pastoral leadership. Toward that end your Staff Parish Relations Committee and I have had several conversations for the purpose of discussing the future needs and hopes for this church.
I expect that the projected pastoral appointment for Trinity will be made by the end of March, with a public announcement made by the end of April.
For the months of April, May, and June, I have asked Rev. Beth Fogle-Miller to coordinate preaching, pastoral care, and other pastoral leadership needs among herself, Rev. John Campbell, and Rev. Dan Casselberry. Trinity is very fortunate to have three such exceptional retired pastors among its membership and I am grateful to them for their willingness to work together to provide interim leadership in this way.
I accepted Christ through the ministry of Trinity UMC as a student at Stetson back in 1970, and I continue to have a deep fondness for the people of this church, some of whom are among Jeanne’s and my most cherished friends. Please know that my prayers are with you during this time of transition. I would ask that you be in prayer as well for the pastoral appointment process, that God would make clear to the bishop and his cabinet the most appropriate person to be appointed as the next pastor of this great church.
May God richly bless you and the ministries of Trinity United Methodist Church.
Grace and Peace,
Bob Bushong, East Central District Superintendent
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Trinity's
2019 Budget was approved at the January Administrative Council meeting and a copy mailed recently. If you did not receive a copy and wish to have one, feel free to contact Mark Moor at
markmoor@aol.com.
Beautiful ministries using your generous contributions
Each month, we will highlight an area or activity at Trinity that makes use of your generosity. This month, we want to focus the spotlight on the
Sneakers for Kids program.
For the past four years, Lana Saxon has led a dedicated ministry,
Sneakers for Kids, that provides shoes for children at Citrus Grove Elementary School. Accompanied by Mike, the manager of Shoe Carnival, Lana and her team go to the school, measure many, many little feet, and select the shoes at the store. Then it’s back to the school for the children to try them on. The children also receive two pairs of socks to go with their new shoes.
Last year, this ministry was able to help over 100 children. Since inception,
Sneakers for Kids has provided over 500 pairs of shoes. God is truly great! Sneakers for Kids is a beautiful ministry, but it does take a lot of work. If you feel led to assist, please contact Lana.
A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great. ~ Proverbs 18:16
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Christian nurture, the edification of believers, helps people understand, know and love God more. Teaching, guiding ministries must be a priority to help fulfill our church's purpose.
If you are interested in serving on one or more of our nurturing ministries, contact
Donna Beaty.
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Our
2019 Lenten Study continues through the month of March every Monday at both 10 a.m. and 7 p.m in the Wesley Room. We are studying the book
Welcome to Dinner Church by Verlon Fosner. Although the study began late last month, we welcome anyone who wants to attend and learn about this new type of worship experience.
If you are interested, contact me by using this
EMAIL LINK. Hope to see you this Monday!
Blessings,
Cindy Fox, Study Leader
P.S. Trinity has been asked by the co-directors of Stetson Wesley House to prepare and serve two meals to students, as part of their Wednesday night
"Dinner Church". The dates are March 20th and April 24th at 5 p.m.
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HAL TEAM UPDATE
The HAL Team held a meeting to work on its purpose statement and future planning, especiallly with regard to the
125th Anniversary of our church, which will be celebrated beginning on February 20, 2020 and lasting through the year.
The purpose or mission of our committee is to assist the congregation and community with the following:
- REMEMBERING the history of TUMC,
- REJOICING in the many accomplishments and blessings bestowed upon the congregation, and
- RENEWING its commitment to the mission of TUMC.
To accomplish our mission, we intend to develop and implement activities to engage the congregation in discovering our church's history and its future:
- Identifying pictures that have been stored for years
- Holding fun, history-related activities on both the current and Plymouth Avenue properties, such as a scavenger hunt for children and youth
- Assisting the Trustees with hosting several "church cleaning days" in order to prepare the building for sale, including the removal of limbs in front of the exterior of the chapel's stained glass window, cleaning the window, and possibly replacing a light fixture/outlet so that the window can be lighted at night.
- Creating a 125th Anniversary book, designed around the three themes of remembering, rejoicing and renewing (with greater emphasis on the latter two themes).
Our next meeting will be on
Wednesday, March 27 at 6:00 p.m. in the Wesley Room. All members and interested friends are invited to attend and help us continue planning!
Debbie & Steve Jones, HAL Team Coordinators
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MUSIC AND WORSHIP MINISTRY
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Make plans to attend a
concert given by our multi-talented organist/pianist/keyboardist,
Larry Graham, on Sunday, March 3rd at 3 p.m. in the Sanctuary! There will be no charge for the concert because Larry considers it
his gift to the church and to the community.
And what a gift it will be! The concert is guaranteed to touch your soul and heart, as Larry praises God with his special brand of exciting rhythms and musical arrangements masterfully performed on not one, not two, but three different instruments. Members of the Choir and the Hospitality team will serve as ushers and greeters. Thanks to a special gift from a member of the choir, we got a full-page ad in The Beacon and printed posters that were hand-delivered to area senior centers and retirement facilities from Pierson to Orange City, which has given the event great public exposure.
We are trying to have more “concert” type events throughout the year, including hosting
All Night Yahtzee in December,
Nina Allbert and the
Tri-M Concert last month. This month will be Larry's concert. Please review the church calendar often and look for upcoming concerts announced in this newsletter, posted on our website and Facebook page.
We are seeking two individual volunteers to serve as
communion stewards. Two dedicated women of the church, Mary Gilmore and Claud Anna Smith, have served faithfully as stewards for many years (Thank you!). They will be retiring after their many years of service, but are willing to help train their successors before stepping down. If you are interested in serving our Lord with this very important task, call or see me after worship on Sundays.
Last month, we had the privilege of recognizing
Don Brunning for 20 years of service to the church. Don has accompanied the Praise Team on keyboard for 20 years and we celebrated him at a special reception during the Fellowship Hour. We had wonderful food, a beautiful cake and decorations. He even received some cards and was very touched by the honoring of his years of service. He loved it and a great time was had by all!
Both the
Chancel Choir and
Praise Team are preparing special music to be performed during Lent and Easter:
- The Chancel Choir will present "Were You There” on Palm Sunday, April 14th at both services. This beautiful musical work will also include dramatic monologues.
- On Maundy Thursday, April 18th, a Tenebrae Service of Shadows will be held at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
- On Good Friday, April 19th, Trinity will host a walk through the Stations of the Cross on the Plymouth Avenue property from 5-7 p.m. Please pray for cooperative weather and invite your friends and neighbors!
- On Easter, Rev. Beth Fogle-Miller will bring the message to what we hope will be a record crowd at our popular Easter Sunrise Service on the Plymouth Avenue property beginning at 6:30 a.m.
- Rev. John Campbell will bring the Easter message at both the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services.
Conya Hartman, Music Director & Worship Leader
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CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRIES
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Tuesday, March 5th, Trinity Youth will hold a
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner from 5-7 p.m. Come to this annual fundraising dinner to help send our youth on a meaningful, yet fun, Christian-based mission trip to Clarksville, Georgia, this summer. The youth will be doing all the cooking, serving and cleaning up, so bring the entire family for dinner out! For more information, call the church office at 386-734-4425. Cost will be by donation.
On Sunday, March 10, following the 8:30 a.m. worship service, there will be a
required training for all paid staff and adult volunteers who work with or around children at the church. The
Child & Youth Policy & Procedure (CYPP) training will be held in the Sanctuary. Jennifer Griffis will be leading. With many members expressing interest in starting up new activities and ministries designed to attract children and families to Trinity,
this training is a must! For questions, contact Jennifer Griffis or Lori Hansard. To view a copy of the Florida Annual Conference's policy and procedures governing the protection of children and youth, click on this link:
Florida UM Conference CYPP.
This month, the children's Sunday School classes will be learning about the significance of Lent, and about Jesus and the days leading up to Easter.
"Church Camp" at
Warren Willis - always a hit with our youth - will run from June 17th-22nd. The cost is $420 per child in grades 4-12. We will hold a variety of fundraising activities from now until then to raise needed funds, so we can offer scholarships. Contributions are greatly needed. Simply write "Warren Willis" in the memo line of your check and place it in the offering plate.
The youth will be holding a "
Lock-In & Surprise Trip" during Volusia County's Spring Break - March 15-24. Details will be forthcoming.
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YOUNG AT HEART
The next gathering of Trinity's
Young at Heart ministry will be held on
Tuesday, March 12th at 11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Young at Heart (YAH) is a ministry for senior adults age 55+. Come and enjoy the fellowship and camaraderie with other seniors. Lunch cost is $7 per person.
Paid reservations are required in advance, so our Kitchen Team will know how many lunches to prepare. The last day to RSVP is always
the Monday before at noon. Complete the form inserted in the monthly e-blast or weekly bulletins and place in the offering plate or drop off in the Church Office mailbox.
This month's luncheon has a
Mardi Gras theme, so
wear your purple and gold beads and bring a mask so we can have some fun guessing who you are! Our program will feature a trio of talented singers and performers from the area, including our own Larry Graham, called
Variety3! Come and hear all of your favorite show tunes and pop songs. Click
HERE to read a bio on these talented performers.
Plan now to join us and don't forget to invite your friends and neighbors. Remember, the person who brings the most guests
wins a prize!
Questions? Call or
send us an email. Hope to see you on the 12th!
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Our next
YAH "Daycation" is to attend Shoestring Theatre's production of
Always Nina - A Tennessee Story and Songbook! on Sunday, March 10th at the 2:30 p.m. matinee. We will be taking the church bus, if enough folks sign up. Currently, we have 8 signups.
Tickets for seniors are $16, which includes a dollar for bus transportation. If we can get a group of at least 13 folks and can collect the money in advance. The rate for each ticket will be discounted to $13 at that time and refunds will be given. The bus has 14 seats, so let's fill it up!! Call or email us, using
THIS LINK. Feel free to write a check to the church and put YAH-Shoestring in the memo line or pay in cash to us or Lori in the church office.
P.S. Don't forget! We will be going to Bok Tower on Tuesday, March 26th, remember.
Mark your calendars today.
An email with details will be forthcoming. Speaking of, if you are not rece
i
ving our
YAH emails
, click on
THIS LINK
to sign up!
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5TH ANNUAL NIGHT FOR FREEDOM BANQUET & AUCTION
Saturday, April 6, at 5:30 p.m. is fast approaching. The 5th Night for Freedom Banquet/Silent & Live Auction will take place at the Stetson Room in the Carlton Union Building at Stetson. Our speakers will be Linda Leonard-Woods, a lawyer advocate for Labor Trafficking, and Angela, a trafficked survivor.
Expected attendance is 200 people for a night of good food, bidding on auction items, and listening to real-world stories about labor and sex trafficking. Your education will increase and you will want to support the
H.O.P.E. Team as they fight against trafficking and help survivors begin new lives.
You can help by: attending our banquet for $50; making a donation of any amount; donating a new item for our auction; or becoming a sponsor for $500, $1000, or $1500. Along with sponsorships come free tickets to the banquet.
For more information, come by the Fellowship Hall on Sundays and talk with Susan Largen or me, Lana Saxon. Or call either of us.
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WINSHAPE CAMP
Founded by Truett Cathy and sponsored by Chick-fil-A,
WinShape Camps bring in professionally-trained Christian workers to provide an incredible week for campers in grades K – 8. The first WinShape Camp in DeLand was held last summer at Stetson Baptist. The church will again sponsor the camp which will be held the week of June 10 – 14, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Registration opens March 3rd. You may check out their website located at
www.winshapecamps.org to find out more about the camp. Stetson Baptist had 150 children in the camp last summer and has room for more.
The church has asked us to share this information as they launch their second camp this year. Cost is $219 per child and partial scholarships are available. They have also asked us to provide adult volunteers. The camp combines sports, recreation, arts, Bible study, and worship in an active, unprecedented week. Stetson Baptist is one of 16 churches in Florida hosting one of these camps.
If interested, contact me.
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SUSANNA CIRCLE
Susanna Circle meets the second Monday of each month. On March 11 at 6:30 p.m., we will hear from Denise Miller, who will share her many years serving on
Mercy Ships with her husband Rob. We welcome any women who would like to join us on a regular basis; we are 22 strong at the present. Call me for more info.
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2019 FLORIDA CONFERENCE
WOMEN'S RETREATS
Life Enrichment Center
Lake Griffin in Fruitland Park, Florida
For a short time, step away from everything. Spend a quiet and glorious time celebrating Christ, with your sisters.
March 8-10, 2019:
Keynote: Rev. Lisa Stamp
Bible Study Leader: Rev. Sara McKinley
Music Leader: Sue Sommer
Devotions: Tabatha Parish & Gladyanne Hood
Enrichment Leaders: Rev. Tamara Isidore, Karen Taylor, Rev. Mary Ashcraft, Margie Anderson, Kathy Delozier, Maureen Corristan.
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Social Media & Church Marketing:
How to Effectively Reach Your Community
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Any ministry team leader who is responsible for worship services, special events, youth activities, audio/visual production, graphic design, and social media (
Facebook,
YouTube,
Instagram,
websites,
email blasts and other tools used in e-communications).
WHEN: Wednesday, March 6 at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: Fleming Island UMC, 7170 Highway 17, Fleming Island, FL
Start the journey to more effectively share your church’s story and identity with the community through a comprehensive church marketing plan. This free course will be led by the social marketing staff at United Methodist Communications headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. The course is designed to help churches create and implement a strategic marketing plan by exploring the planning process, branding standards, best practices, and new ways their church can have a visible presence and impact on their community.
By the end of this training session, you will be able to:
- Plan and build a marketing plan for your church
- Launch a successful marketing strategy
- Identify the importance of a consistent brand
- Develop a custom plan geared to reach the people in your community
- Utilize the Church Marketing Plan Tool
If more than four members signup, we will take the church bus. If you register online, please inform me. For more information, call or email me using our
Contact Us Form.
Yes, this training has been scheduled on Ash Wednesday;
however, I promise we will leave early, to order to get back to DeLand several hours before the worship service.
Anita Campbell, TUMC Communications
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Festival of Wisdom and Grace
August 5-8
The
Festival of Wisdom and Grace
is a UMC-SEJ (United Methodist Church-Southeast Jurisdiction) retreat held annually at
Lake Junaluska, North Carolina
. This is a conference geared toward older adults (55+) in finding purpose and renewal in the second half of life. This year's conference will be an exciting one. The theme is
Growing Deeper Roots
, and featured speakers will be the Rev. Dr. Frank Allen and Dr. Richard Gentzler. There will be a host of workshops on a variety of enlightening subjects, plus festival organizers have added optional activities such as field trips and a mission project.
The event is a wonderful opportunity to relax and enjoy the cool air and scenic views of the Great Smoky Mountains in western North Carolina, while being spiritually enriched by great speakers and workshops that are offered. Plus, it is an opportunity to meet others in the Southeast Jurisdiction who are passionate about spiritual growth and about older adult ministry
Anita and John Campbell
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OUTREACH MINISTRIES
To spread the love of Christ and connect our congregation with opportunities to serve our community, both locally and globally.
If you are interested in serving on one of our outreach ministry teams, contact me. We are engaging in some fantastic community and mission-led activities and would love to get you involved.
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CUBAN MISSION INFO DINNER
Members of Trinity!
You are cordially invited to attend
An authentic
Cuban Dinner and Informational Program to be presented by Pastor Dale, Dan Vergara, Mark Moor and Rick Jones.
Wednesday, March 13th beginning at 5 p.m.
Last year, Pastor Dale and three members of Trinity (Dan, Mark and Rick) went to
Cuba as part of Trinity's "advance team". Their mission was to deliver in-kind goods and gifts to the pastoral leaders of our two sister churches. They also were there to get the "lay of the land" and to learn as much as they could about the culture, the churches, the difficulties and the gifts and graces of this unique population and country. They returned with a wealth of information that they want to share with us, in advance of the next mission team.
What an evening we will have! The dinner will be prepared by members of
Not Your Momma's Sunday School Class and local Cuban eateries. There is no charge for the dinner; however, collection baskets will be placed at every table for a free-will donation to be used to offset the cost of the dinner.
Have questions? Contact Dee Miller or Cindy Fox.
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FLORIDA UNITED METHODIST
CHILDREN'S HOME
Day on Campus
Have you ever visited The Florida United Methodist Children's Home?
Saturday, March 16th is the annual
Day on Campus which will include a tour of the campus, breakout sessions, a program in the gymnasium and a picnic lunch. All are invited. If interested, visit
www.fumch.org to learn more and to register or talk to Jill Churchill. (Please RSVP by Friday, March 8.)
5th Sunday Offering
United Methodist churches throughout Florida provide about half of FUMCH's yearly budget. The
Fifth Sunday Offering is the largest fundraiser. March 31 is the date for our next offering. Envelopes will be in the pews. Checks can be written with FUMCH on the subject line.
Heart & Home Resale Shop
The
Heart & Home Resale Shop, located at the Four Townes Shopping Center at 2460A South Volusia Avenue in Orange City, is a thrift shop that benefits the Children's Home. Clothing and household items in good condition are much appreciated.
Jill Churchill, Trinity LCR
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33rd Annual Keep DeLand Beautiful
Date: Saturday, March 16
Time: 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. EDT
Register Now
Keep DeLand Beautiful is pure community. It’s an initiative that joins West Volusia citizens, businesses and government agencies together for a day of environmental awareness, celebration and regional activism.
This year’s
Keep DeLand Beautiful event goes beyond DeLand city borders and welcomes all families, businesses and communities of West Volusia to
Earl Brown Park, DeLand on Saturday, March 16th to really make a difference.
“Teams” of families, businesses, churches, groups, and agencies will gather to celebrate and “compete” in an eco-friendly community-wide clean-up of selected areas within the West Volusia region for awards, bragging rights and, of course, making a key environmental difference within our region.
I have signed up to attend. Who wants to join me?
We can wear our Trinity tee shirts and enjoy a day in the sun -- all for a great cause and all to let others see Christ in our happy, smiling faces!
Click
HERE to register for the event and then
CLICK HERE to email me and let me know you will be joining in the fun! Hope to see you at 8 a.m. in Earl Brown Park!
Anita Campbell
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OUR SCHOOL-CHURCH PARTNERSHIP: CITRUS GROVE ELEMENTARY
Special thanks to Conya Hartman and Lori Hansard for coordinating Trinity's participation in CG's annual
Groovin' at the Grove 5K and Family Fun Run. Trinity had eight runners and eight cheerleaders participating this year! Next year? We will be a
named sponsor and hope to have twice as many participants!
Kudos to Sue and Marty Atkinson who both placed in their age divisions!
Anita Campbell, CG Mentor & Volunteer
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The
Witness Team coordinates, plans, carries out, and evaluates the congregation’s witness ministries, helping all to know and respond to the love of God in Christ. This includes planning for evangelistic outreach and setting goals for congregational growth, visitation, and hospitality.
If you are interested in being a part of this new team, contact
Rob Miller at church, by email, or by leaving him a note in the Witness Team mail box at church.
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PRAYER CORNER
June is usually the month for moving pastors but at Trinity our pastor has announced he will retire on March 31. Our church will experience, sooner than others, the wrench of losing a pastor and preparing our hearts to receive another. Dale has ministered to us with deep compassion and caring and has become a part of our lives in significant ways. He has officiated at our loved one’s funerals and offered prayers of comfort to family and friends. He has performed weddings, christened our babies, and lifted us up with hospital visits when we were ill. His recent “heart” sermon series gave us courage and something to work on our spiritual journey toward holiness.
Dale and his loving wife Joleen have worked hard to minister unselfishly to us and we are grateful. Pray they will enjoy a long, healthy and well-deserved retirement.
On Sunday, February 17, Karen Averil, chair of our Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC), read a letter she received from Rev. Bob Bushong, East Central District Superintendant, regarding the matter and which outlined the next steps. (You may have also received a copy via e-mail.) We have been asked to pray for interim pastors Beth Fogle-Miller, John Campbell and Dan Casselberry, and for our incoming pastor, whose name will be announced at the end of April.
Change can be hard but at the same time exciting. Some of us have been praying for those involved in the selection process. Although we have a time of uncertainty ahead of us, there is also excitement about a new pastor, new ideas, new church, new ministries and new people to bring to Jesus Christ. Only our fervent prayers will make this happen. Amy Thompson offers these suggestions as we prepare ourselves for the transition:
- Begin with prayer for Trinity, Pastor Dale and Joleen
- Participate in goodbye activities
- Prepare your heart and mind for building a relationship with a new pastor
- Pray for our new pastor and his/her family as they make the adjustment to a new church family, town and home.
- Avoid comparisons, as each has a unique personality and style
- Remain focused on our mission -- to reach out into the community and connect others to Jesus Christ
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for always being with us during times of constancy and times of change. Thank you for overseeing and being a part of the pastoral transition process. Enable our Trinity family, through the power of your Holy Spirit, to accept the changes ahead with grace and kindness to our new pastoral family and those with whom we work and have fellowship. May we be known not only for our friendliness but our Christ-centered behavior toward each other.
In the Master’s name we pray. Amen.
And, please join with me as we continue praying through our Directory:
The Griffiths, David, Jennifer and Clay; Don and Lucy Halavin;
Shirley Hall; Leon and Betty Hamilton; Donna Haneline
Carolyn Harner, Coordinator
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: DAN AND CHERRIE CASSELBERRY
Dan Casselberry was raised in
Casselberry, Florida, a city that was founded by his grandfather, Hibbard Casselberry. Dan’s parents were co-founders of
Community United Methodist Church in Casselberry. Dan was fortunate to be raised in a Christian home where church attendance was a vital part of their lives. Dan has been active in the church all his life. Dan graduated from Lyman High School in 1965. He was well respected by all who knew him and had the honor of holding many important offices in his class as well as being student body president during his senior year.
Click HERE to read the rest of the story!
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DATES TO SAVE TO YOUR 2019 CALENDAR!
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- March 3 - Larry Graham in Concert!
- March 5 - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Fundraiser
- March 6 - Ash Wednesday Service
- March 10 - UMCOR Sunday & Child-Youth Protection Training
- March 12 - Young at Heart Luncheon
- March 13 - Cuba Dinner
- March 20 - Wesley House Dinner Church
- March 22 - Breakfast at Trinity
- March 26 - Administrative Council
- March 31 - Fifth Sunday for FUMCH
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- Like to take messages and talk with folks? Want to help in the Church 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 Betty Kobler.
- Want to serve the least of these through our monthly Breakfast at Trinity ministry? Contact Lana Saxon. Or Interfaith Kitchen? Contact Melissa Fuller.
- Excited about going to Cuba or taking other mission trips? Contact Dee Miller or Dan Vergara.
- 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 Anita Campbell.
- Interested in serving on the Altar Guild? Contact Cherrie Cassleberry or Becky Kellogg.
- Want to help showcase our historical artifacts and write our history in preparation for our 125th Anniversary celebration? Contact Steve Jones.
- Willing to learn how to operate our sound board and video camera? See Conya Hartman.
- Interested in reading scripture and/or participating in worship services? See Pastor Dale or Conya Hartman.
- Find it easy to talk with people about your faith? Join the new Witness Team to study, pray and plan for ways to strenthen our ability to witness to others. If interested, see Pastor Dale or Rob Miller.
- 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.
If you do not personally know some or all of these ministry team leaders but want to contact them about volunteering, call the Church Office (386) 734-4425 to request an updated "People Directory."
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NEWS FROM THE GLOBAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, THE FLORIDA CONFERENCE
AND BISHOP KENNETH CARTER, AND THE EAST CENTRAL DISTRICT OFFICE
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This is a lengthy article highlighting the emotional days of the conference that was written by Kathy L. Gilbert, Heather Hahn and Joey Butler. All reporters work for the United Methodist News Service.
After hours of delaying tactics by opponents, the United Methodist General Conference 2019 delegates passed The Traditional Plan 438 to 384.
A last-ditch effort to bring the One Church Plan back was defeated in the morning and was followed by efforts to amend the Traditional Plan to address constitutionality issues raised by the Judicial Council, the church’s top court.
The Rev. Tim McClendon, South Carolina, called for a vote on the Traditional Plan as amended, which affirms the church’s current bans on ordaining LGBTQ clergy and officiating at or hosting same-sex marriage.
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Dear Florida Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Some are grateful for the results of the Special Session. And others sought a different outcome. All of this will take some time to process. Human sexuality is a topic on which our people have differing views. As evidenced by the vote of the special session, we are a global church with very different contexts. We were not able to achieve contextual differentiation as envisioned by the Commission on a Way Forward. By a majority vote, we passed the Traditional Plan, with some parts ruled unconstitutional. It now goes to the Judicial Council for review at their next meeting but our existing Discipline language is maintained.
We are a global church. This is a great gift in that God blesses us with diversity and the gospel is lived and shared across cultures. This is a great challenge in that we have different understandings of the LGBTQ community and, indeed, the LGBTQ persons in our own churches.
By a majority, the U.S. church seems to favor the One Church Plan that would have more openly welcomed pastors from the LGBTQ community and allowed for same-sex marriage. And, an overwhelming majority of the Council of Bishops endorsed the One Church Plan.
I am a person of evangelical and orthodox faith and respect those who see
this primarily as a matter of scriptural interpretation. I will continue to live my promises of consecration as a bishop by abiding by the Book of Discipline
as a resource for oversight and supervision in support of the church’s mission (BOD ¶403).
Some believe the arc of history is moving toward more acceptance of LGBTQ people, not less. Pew Research teaches us that younger generations in the U.S., especially under 45 and more so under 30, will not participate in a church that rejects the LGBTQ community. A letter from United Methodists under the age of 35 was shared at the Special Session, with over 15,500 signatories. A greater number of LGBTQ voices were heard on the floor of the Special Session than ever before. Many of these were younger voices.
I offer the following words to the LGBTQ community:
Please know that you are of sacred worth. You are not the problem. You are not "out there." You are present in our churches. You bless us with your faith, and your gifts strengthen the church. And my calling, for you and all people, is to remove the obstacles to your experience of the grace of God, and especially in the life of The United Methodist Church.
I also offer these words to the evangelical community:
Please know that your faith is a great gift to God and to your local churches. Too often, your stances have been misunderstood as driven by hatred, as opposed to being of deeply held faith. Your lives have been changed by the good news of Jesus, and you have a deep desire that others know this grace. Our denomination is blessed by you and needs your gifts in our calling to share God’s love across the world. Our conference includes at every level of leadership evangelicals who are of the utmost integrity.
We remain a denomination that is open to people of all nations, ethnic groups, ages, and sexual orientations. We hope to find better ways to embrace our diversity and be on mission together. Our POV process continues to be a resource available to you.
Despite our differences, we will continue to work together to make disciples
of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world and to share God’s love
with all people.
The peace of the Lord,
Ken Carter
Bishop, Florida Conference
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"On Mission Together"
2019 FLORIDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
June 5-8
Florida Southern College
111 Lake Hollingsworth DrIve
Lakeland, FL
Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church
450 Martin L King Jr Ave, Lakeland, FL 33815 | 863-688-5563
DETAILED INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND BY VISITING THE
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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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306 W. Wisconsin Avenue
DeLand, Florida 32720
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