Greetings!

“The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.”

“After he [Jesus] had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, 'Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So, if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them." ~ John 13:12:17

In the movie, The Wrath of Khan (1982), Spock says, “Logic clearly dictates that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.” This sets up a pivotal scene near the end of the film. With the Enterprise (starship) in imminent danger of destruction, Spock enters a highly radioactive chamber in order to fix the ship’s drive so the crew can escape danger. Spock quickly perishes, and, with his final breath, says to Kirk, “Don’t grieve, Admiral. It is logical. The needs of the many outweigh...” Kirk finishes for him, “The needs of the few.”

In the next film, The Search for Spock (1984), the crew of the Enterprise discovers that Spock is not actually dead, that his body and soul survive on the newly formed planet. Spock asks Kirk why the crew saved him. Kirk answers, “Because the needs of the one outweigh the needs of the many.” 

In the next film, The Voyage Home (1986), Spock’s mother, who is human (his father is Vulcan), asks him whether he still believes that, by logic, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. He says, “yes.” She replies, “Then you are here because of a mistake—your friends have given their future to save you.” Spock says that humans are sometimes illogical; his mother answers, “They are, indeed!” www.theobjectivestandard.com/2013/09/spocks-illogic-the-needs-of-the-many-outweigh-the-needs-of-the-few/ Yes, I’m an old-school trekkie fan.

So, I ask you, is it logical for the Master of the Universe, the king of kings, Jesus the Messiah to stoop low and wash the feet of his students, or for that matter, sacrifice himself on a cross? Modern philosophers believe the servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop hidden talents. I learned this in the military as a ‘total quality management’ style. Being a servant leader can boost engagement, increase trust and build better team relationships. Robert K. Greenleaf, circa 1970, believed Servant leadership is a philosophy and set of practices that enriches the lives of individuals, builds better organizations and ultimately creates a more just and caring world. 

For a very long time, I felt I had much to offer a congregation from the aspect of leadership. Trinity, however, has taught me more about the joy of servanthood than any other place I have ever been. From working in the kitchen, to caring for church property, to teaching young children, to singing in the choir or praise team, to the simple acts of loving on each other, Trinity UMC exhibits remarkable joy in shared ministry, especially when you are serving one another! Want to find out who is a leader? Check out the end of the line!

I always thought Jesus was teaching the disciples that there was great joy in sharing leadership and sometimes it is necessary to be the humble servant; even humbling oneself enough to accept the service of others. In fact someone once told me the hardest thing they ever did was to allow the pastor to wash their feet. I wondered why? Is it possible that there is another lesson in the foot bath Jesus shared?

Some scholars point out that bathing refers to our baptism, then, in addition to baptism, perhaps foot washing is an additional act of penance for sins after baptism. The washing is not about the outer body being cleaned but rather entering into a deeper inner relationship that begins with humility.

Honest and humble leadership becomes visible when we serve one another. Simple acts of kindness reflect the joy in our hearts. Jesus had a way of turning the world upside down; just look at his example of his cousin, John the Baptist; “I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (Luke 7:28)

More important than any person in the congregation, without exception, is the lost soul who wanders in from a broken world. If you discover that your life is lacking joy—if you perceive that we live in a broken world in need of comfort, then we have a great and powerful mission to be the heart of Christ Jesus, serving the “least of these.” For in serving, there is joy!

Your humbled servant in Christ Jesus,

Pastor Dale

[email protected]

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

“Revival of Israel with Ezra and Nehemiah”

April 22-July 1 Series:

Changing times have always been interesting but, more often,  challenging for societies. The way Israel rediscovered who they were, as former exiles, could shed light on who we are now in the 21st Century. Our Judeo-Christian heritage may give encouraging insight to not just surviving but thriving in the looming Christian tsunami of 2021-2050. (I’ll share more about that later.) We can either continue to survive or we can look for new ways to grow and prosper!

May 6 Nehemiah 2:1-5 From Servant to a Leader

With the season of fresh flowers comes a new purpose. From wine server to building engineer. Don’t ever think you are beneath the purposes of God! If God wills it, it will happen.

May 13 Nehemiah 2:11-16 The Inspector General

Visuals/handouts are a must! By the cloak of darkness Nehemiah creeps out with his buds to inspect the property. A secret mission! Assessments are important to understand the task at hand. Perhaps Nehemiah’s “yes” to God required more consideration. The job was mammoth; workers, material and direction needed more than a mere “yes.”

May 20 Music Makers' Spring Production “Treasure Island: Searching for Riches in the Kingdom of God”

This delightful musical will be performed twice on Sunday, May 20th, at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. in the church Sanctuary. [Note: this Sunday is Pentecost.]

May 27 Nehemiah 2:17-20 Commitment and Risk

See the trouble, plan to do something about it, evaluate the results of future action. But in everything, where is the hand of God? “I can do all things…” (Philippians 4:13). How do we deal with attacks on commitment?

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.

WE ARE CELEBRATING OUR

50TH ANNIVERSARY!

There are several United Methodist organizations and websites where you will find historical information about the "Uniting Conference" which merged the Methodist and Evangelical United Bretheren churches back in 1968. Were you a member of a Methodist or EUB church? We would love to hear your stories about what you remember was happening in your church at that time. Send me your story in writing or call me and we'll come and video record your story!

For in-depth information on the history of our denomination, the primary website to visit is the General Commission on Archives and History or GCAH: http://www.gcah.org. Below is a great article on the merger, which can be viewed on a number of websites.Enjoy!

A half century ago, retired Bishop D. Max Whitfield was a young pastor still taking courses at Perkins School of Theology. He went from studying Methodist polity to having a bit part in United Methodist history, serving as a page and marshal at the Uniting Conference .

For much of April 23 to May 4, 1968, Whitfield was at Dallas Memorial Auditorium, running hither and yon, but also pausing to marvel as the Methodist Church and Evangelical United Brethren Church became The United Methodist Church ...

Click HERE to read the whole article.

Anita Campbell, chairperson

Florida Conference Commission on Archives & History

HISTORY TEAM NEEDS WORKER BEES

In anticipation of our long-awaited groundbreaking and new church construction, Trinity's History Team needs your help to plan for THE BIG MOVE.

We know we will not be able to take everything, but we also know that there are many, many artifacts and documents that we must take. Some items may have to be put in storage, but where? And are they protected in such a way so they will be preserved? Who makes such decisions? And how should we best prepare for that day?

The good news is that the Florida Conference Commission on Archives and History stands ready to guide us on what to keep and what not to keep. Still, such decisions will be difficult to make. It will take careful consideration and time. Most importantly, this task cannot be left for one person to handle such a monumental responsibility.

If you sense urgency in my writing, it's because I feel we cannot afford to defer this issue for much longer. Please call or see me at church with regard to this important task. I can be reached by email or telephone. If you need, call the church office for my contact information. Thank you and God bless!

Tom Cunningham, church historian and team leader

TRINITY ANGELS

Trinity Angels continues to meet the third Tuesday of every month. Our numbers remain small, but we continue to strive to increase our membership and touch the lives of our church members and others with our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service and our witness.

We are now trying to reach out more to our fellow members with a card ministry. We send cards to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, baptisms and confirmations, in addition to sending condolence, thinking of you, and notecards of encouragement. This new ministry has allowed us to stay in touch with members. Their response has been a blessing!

We have begun receiving donations of cards, too, which has helped to defray costs. We recently discussed sending out special cards on Memorial Day and Veterans Day to our veterans to thank them for their service and to let them know Trinity members are thinking of them. We have received some of these "specialty" cards for those particular holidays but not many. Please know, if you have such cards and do not want them or have a use for them, consider donating them to the Angels. You can leave them with Lori Jones, who will see that we get them.

We continue to visit with some of our homebound folks. Recently, we visited with Betty Cunningham at Ridgecrest and Trall and Beverly Heitzenrater in their home, and we continue to keep in touch with Ruth and Lee Packer. We have many more to visit and we will continue to do so in the coming months, as time and schedules allow.

If this type of "congregational care" ministry is one that you would be interested in serving, please contact me. We would love to have you join us!

Debra Wood, Angels Team Leader

WAYS TO SERVE

Dear Trinity Family,

As our prayer needs grow and our emphasis moves outward - focusing on the least, the last and the lost of our community and world - we find the need to enlarge our Prayer Team ministry. If you do not know, we meet every Thursday, from 9-9:30 a.m. in Pastor Dale's office. (And, if we outgrow that space, we'll go to the Library or the Sanctuary.) Yes, our email prayer team’s efforts are commendable, but sometimes we long for and need a human touch. Please consider joining us. The more hearts, minds, souls, and bodies that can lift up needs to our Lord, the better.

This month, there will be two community events to highlight the ever-present need for prayer. On Tuesday morning, May 1, at 7 a.m., the Annual DeLand Community Prayer Breakfast, sponsored by Florida Hospital DeLand, will be held at the Sanborn Center. On Thursday morning, May 3rd at 9 a.m., Trinity's Prayer Team will meet in Pastor's office. This is the actual day of the National Day of Prayer event in Washington, D.C. Check out the National Day of Prayer website for the 2018 Prayer. It is long but beatifully expressed. And, Saturday, May 5th, a National Day of Prayer Service will be held on the steps of the County Courthouse at 12 noon. The public is invited to both events. Let us make plans to join with persons of all faiths to lift up our needs, concerns and joys to our heavenly Father from whom all blessings flow. See Pastor Dale if interested.

Anita Campbell, Trinity’s Communications Team Leader, is posting on Trinity’s Facebook page,  “Trinity members are praying this week for the residents of ______________ “ Each week, a new complex or residential area around the site of our new church property, will appear in the blank space. As of this writing it is “Lexington Club Apartments”. The following week it will be “Hunter’s Creek Apartments”, etc. She has gathered the names of 20 areas which will be targeted through Facebook to raise awareness of our future plans to build a new church on the West Plymouth Avenue site. Anita is asking the Prayer Team and all in our church family to pray for the residents, particularly the unchurched and those with young children. Please check out the newest Facebook posting every week and blanket these areas with prayer.

Are you troubled with what is happening in our world? Did your mother, like mine, say “What is this world coming to?” I ran across this prayer which I invite you to pray along with me:

PRAYER FOR THE TROUBLES OF THIS EARTH

God of comfort, these times seem so uncertain, so scary. The world seems darker than it has in the past and I am less sure of myself. Maybe that’s a good thing; maybe now I am turning to you with a realization that I need you so much more and that my life is not in my own control.

Let me not forget all of those around the world who are frightened at this moment. Help those who are victims of terrorists and war. Be with those who have lost so much in the past year. Hold us all in your loving arms and let us be comforted by the strength and peace you make available to us through the birth of your son, Jesus; and thank you for all the many gifts you offer us, during our life on earth and for all eternity.

In Jesus name we pray, Amen

As we make our way - praying through the church directory - this month we are praying for the following members:

Jeff, Michelle, Patricia and Grace Bishop. Richard Bohner, Harriett Bolin, Steve and Mary Jane Boring, Barbara Bradley

Blessings,

Carolyn Harner, Prayer Team Coordinator

HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS NIGHT II

The H.O.P.E. Team (Helpers of People Enslaved) invites you to see a free showing of the award-winning docufilm "Trapped in the Trade" and to hear the film's producer, Jan Edwards, Founder/C.E.O. of Paving the Way, speak on this current and important topic.

Thursday, May 17, 2018, 6:30 pm

 

Trinity UMC Fellowship Hall

"Trapped in the Trade" is based on actual events. This docufilm shows how the underworld crime of sex-trafficking can happen in our middle and high schools, shattering a child's life in an instant. Paving the Way was founded by Jan Edwards after traveling to Ethiopia (the #1 source for human trafficking in the Middle East) and learning about the sex and slavery trade there.

When she found out that Florida has the 3rd highest number of trafficking

victims in the U.S., she decided to use her 20 years of skills in the corporate world for a different use. Through her company, Paving the Way, Jan offers workshops, webinars and customized trainings to a variety of industries, particularly the hospitality industry. Learn more by visiting her website located at www.stoptraffickingtoday.com.

EDUCATE → EMPOWER → PREVENT

SCHOOL-CHURCH PARTNERSHIPS

The 2017-2018 school year is coming to a close, but the last several weeks can be the busiest. High-stakes testing is underway and that translates into an extraordinary amount of stress on students and teachers. Praying for them would be greatly appreciated!

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 7-11. PTAs around the community will celebrate our wonderful teachers that week with luncheons and small gestures of gratitude. Thank you for helping the teachers at Citrus Grove feel valued.

The Parkland tragedy has sparked our Florida legislature to pass additional funding for schools for resource officers and school counselors. All schools must comply with this mandate by next school year; however, yet again, this is not a fully funded mandate and Volusia County will be in deficit by $2 million for the decision Tallahassee made. Please contact Governor Scott and your legislators and tell them no more unfunded or underfunded mandates! We cannot continue to say children are precious and not make their education a priority.

Thank you for caring and supporting our education community.

Leslie LaRue, School-Church Partnership Coordinator

THANK YOU!

Thanks to financial contributions from Trinity's Missions & Outreach Team as well as individual members of our congregation, Citrus Grove Elementary will be able to revitalize its original butterfly garden so it can apply for certification as a Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary through the DeLand Garden Club!

The tentative date to plant the garden is Wednesday, May 16th, at 1:30 p.m. The school's dedication of the garden will be held on Friday, May 25th. For details or to volunteer, contact Joleen Golden or Anita Campbell.

SNEAKERS FOR KIDS 2018

Citrus Grove Elementary School had 47 kids in need of new sneakers, so we took care of that in early April. It's not an easy process, measuring 47 kids with no socks or dirty socks for some. Then, some sneakers don't fit the way others do—too narrow or too small. So it's back to the store to try a larger size.

In the end, there were many smiles, with one fourth grader jumping in the air when he walked into the hall, another telling everyone waiting to get sneakers, “I got a new pair of shoes!” One boy wanted to know if he could wear those that day; we said, “every day.” Most wanted to wear theirs that day; some didn't. Sadly, one boy wasn't wearing his the next day after we fitted him; his mom had taken them and told him they were too big for him. He was wearing a 5 ½ and needed a 7, the same size as his mom. We bought him another pair...

  

Your Lenten/Easter gifts helped with all this, Trinity. Thank you so much!! You showed your love for these children by giving them smart, safe, right-fitting footwear. Blessings to each of you! You may continue to contribute to Sneakers for Kids at any time. Make your check to Trinity for “Sneakers.”

Many thanks to Judy Ross, Judy Wall, June Shearin, Ms. Copes (CG's Guidance Counselor), and Mike (the Shoe Carnival manager) for their help with this project!

Lana Saxon, Coordinator

BELK CHARITY SALE TO SUPPORT MUSIC MAKERS

Purchase a ticket in advance for the annual Belk Charity Sale to be held on Saturday, May 5th from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and help our Music Makers' program. The tickets are $5 and when you check out you will get your $5 back - discounted off your purchase. It's a win-win for a good cause. See me for a ticket and details!

Conya Hartman, Music Makers Director

NEW UNITED METHODIST 101 CLASS

TO START

"The mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world."

 

Once again I have been asked to offer another United Methodist 101 Class. People want to be part of something bigger than themselves and want to learn and grow as members of the family of Jesus Christ. We can do that in a United Methodist 101 class, as transformed disciples, where we can learn and grow together. 

 

The United Methodist 101 Class is a fun and exciting journey for members and non-members alike. We will discuss our history, what we believe as United Methodists, and the future of our church. If it has been a while since you explored your “United Methodist” roots and you wish to learn more, come to the class. This class also leads to membership, if you have a desire to become a disciple of Jesus, as a new member of Trinity and the United Methodist Church.

 

The class will consist of four weekly sessions, each lasting one hour. We will skip Memorial Day, May 30 and resume June 6th:

•   May 7, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

•   May 14, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

•   May 21, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

•   June 6, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES

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

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