THIS SATURDAY NIGHT DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME WILL END AT MIDNIGHT.

DON'T FORGET TO SET YOUR CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR. (Or turn on the lights and make the coffee!)

Greetings!

On October 19, we had a mission and visioning workshop. The entire church was invited to participate. Data gathered from the recent “Getting to Know You Meetings” was used to determine how God is leading Trinity into the future.

We affirmed that a mission statement is who we believe God has called us to be. A vision statement is how we dream that the world would be different if we lived out our mission. A strategy is how we plan to accomplish God’s mission for us, and what we value defines the things for us that are non-negotiable moving forward. 

The overarching themes that emerged from the process led the group (of 40) to these results:   

Our Mission Statement:  We are disciples creating disciples

through the transforming love of Jesus

Our Vision Statement:  Multiply disciples and groups everywhere

Our Strategy:  Train, empower, and send laity to make disciples.

Our Values: A Passion for Jesus, Love for One Another,

All Humans Have Sacred Worth, Practice Spiritual Disciplines,

and Seek Diversity in All Ways

As we look to the future, we anticipate a new disciple-making structure to form by April of 2020. I will preach a sermon series on this topic beginning in the new year, followed by a training program, then implementation by Easter.  

What I loved about the mission-visioning process is that what bubbled up to the surface came from our congregation and from our work together in discernment and consensus. We crafted this together with the guidance of the Holy Spirit!

As we move into the next 125 years, we will live into this mission and vision. Our mission will guide all we do from this day forward. Putting action into the mission and achieving the vision will be primary. May God bless our efforts as we move forward into the exciting days ahead.

I LOVE being your Pastor!

Todd

P.S. Guess what!!!

Our new church tee shirts are in! You can pick yours up this Sunday at church. After that, they will be in the office. A contribution of $10 is suggested.

Stewardship Campaign continues

Pastor Todd will continue with his four-week series based on the book "Earn. Save. Give. Wesley’s Simple Rules for Money" written by the Rev. Jim Harnish. The book is a practical application of Wesley’s theology of money. During the series, we will continue our discussion of how Christians think about and use financial resources.

*November 3, Matthew 6:19-21, Save All You Can.

Last week we explored the first of Wesley’s rules of handling money - Earn all you can. Today we move on to the second rule - Save all you can. This is one of those things that is easy to say but more difficult to do. It has been my experience that no one wants to begin where they are. We’d like to begin where we’d be if we had started when we should have. The good news about savings is that it is never too late to begin.

This day will be celebrated as * All Saint’s Sunday . A Service of Remembrance  will be conducted during both the early and late services. Members of Trinity who have passed away during the previous year will be remembered during special, meaningful segments during the worship service. We will have “communion with the saints” that day so if a family member or loved one is to be remembered, we hope everyone who had a connection with that beloved saint will plan to attend. 

 

*November 10, Luke 19:1-10 Give All You Can

There is a difference between charity and stewardship. Charity can happen in a moment, but stewardship takes a lifetime. Charity may cause us to give out of our abundance, but stewardship causes us to change the financial priorities of our lives. Charity benefits those who receive the gift, stewardship benefits the giver. Charity is a compassionate response to an immediate need, but stewardship is a spiritual discipline that helps us grow into disciples of Jesus.

This day will be our annual * Consecration Sunday where we will pledge our gifts to God and the church for the coming year by turning in our "Commitment Cards."

*November 17, Luke 21:5-19 , Salvation by Endurance.

Jesus teaches us in this text not to rely on our own wisdom but to pray to God and rely on the wisdom that comes from above. We are reminded not to rely on our possessions but to wait patiently on God’s providence. In God we gain everything.

This day is a * New Member Sunday and we will be welcoming new members into the church family. If you want to make your membership official, contact Pastor Todd by phone or email at [email protected] .

"There are many who attend Trinity but have never joined the church. Some have attended for so long that they assume they are members but they are not. If you have never stood before the congregation and made a commitment to live out your spiritual life at Trinity, it is not too late. And, if you have never been baptized and wish to do so, this day is for you. We are all just walking each other home." ~ Pastor Todd

 

November 24, Luke 23: 33-43 , Jesus, Remember Me .

God does not force God’s self upon us. We all have a choice when it comes to following Jesus. Like the thieves crucified on the crosses on either side of Jesus, we can either reject Christ or decide to follow him. Is Christ really your king?

Saturday, November 2 - Daylight Saving Time ends at midnight

Sunday, November 3 - All Saint's Sunday

Sunday, November 10 - Consecration Sunday

Monday, November 11 - Veteran’s Day

Tuesday, November 12 - Young at Heart Luncheon (11:30 a.m.)

Friday, November 15 - Breakfast at Trinity (9:30 a.m.)

Sunday, November 17 - New Member Sunday

Tuesday, November 26 - Hanging of the Greens (5:00 p.m.) and Church Council meeting (6 p.m.)

Thursday, November 28 - Thanksgiving Day

Friday, November 29 - Office Closed

FINANCE TEAM REPORT



Stewardship Campaign

Please don't forget that Sunday, November 10th is Consecration Sunday. Please bring your commitment/pledge card with you to church. Extras will be on hand.

Thanksgiving Offering

Members of both the Finance Team and Church Council voted to designate the Thanksgiving Offering (to be collected on Sunday, November 24) for UMCOR in their ongoing work of recovery and relief for victims of Hurricanes Irma, Matthew and the fires in California.

If you are not aware, giving to UMCOR is down due to a number of reasons so they need our financial and prayerful support more than ever. Please be generous, as you always are when God calls us to help. Thank you!

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, email Donna Beaty.

MUSIC AND WORSHIP MINISTRY

All Saint’s Celebration

Sunday, November 3rd is a special day in the life of the church as we honor those saints who have gone before us. We will light a candle in memory of those we have lost from our church family in the past year, and also have a time to allow you to come forward and light a candle for anyone you have lost.  

Weekly Holy Communion

Beginning in December, we will offer Holy Communion at all Sunday services. John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, said that we should take Holy Communion every chance we have, for it is a means whereby God can pour out His grace upon us. If you would like the opportunity to help with this special sacrament of the faith, please contact me or Pastor Todd. We still need two people to complete our schedule for a monthly rotation for both the 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. services. Could that person be you? We will have training on Tuesday, Nov. 5th at 5:00 p.m.

Taizé Worship Service

Our next Taizé Worship Service will be held on Wednesday, November 20th at 6:00 p.m. We are experiencing great success in meeting a need for this style of worship. If you have not tried it, we welcome you to come. Taizé is a style of worship in a service filled with quiet mediation and prayer in a candlelight environment. Be still and experience God through silence, singing, and prayer in a way you may never have experienced before.

Save the Dates!

December 1 from 4-7 p.m. will be our 2nd Annual Gingerbread House-Making Event. Bring your family or friends and come decorate a gingerbread house! Click on this link to register or call the church office.

December 8th at both the 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. services, Music Makers presents THE GREAT, LATE POTENTATE . Come listen to the story of the ‘late’ arriver to Bethlehem after getting distracted on the journey following the star.

Dec. 13th & 14th at 7:00 p.m. will be our annual Christmas Candlelight Concerts. We are performing “ Let There Be Christmas” with choir, narrators, solos, cello, and our own orchestra, Larry Graham. Please invite others to come for this musical celebration of the birth of our Lord. Open seating, so make plans to arrive early to get a good seat.

Need more details? Email me at [email protected] or call me at 386-734-4425.

Conya Hartman, Director of Music & Worship

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.

Dee Miller, Coordinator

FALL FESTIVAL UPDATE!

Our Annual Fall Festival was very successful and we raised over $10,000 for missions and outreach.

Thank you, Trinity family, for your many contributions of money, manpower and time, the solicitation of gift certificates from area businesses, and your countless donations of new and gently-used personal and household treasures. This event would not be possible without your never-ending support. Thank you and bless you for all that you did!!

Fall Festival Organizers

YOUNG AT HEART MINISTRY

The next Young at Heart (YAH) luncheon will be held on Tuesday, November 12th.

Designed for men and women over the age of 55, this vibrant ministry program will feature a great lunch prepared by our Kitchen Team and an interesting program presented by Mark Geallis of The Neighborhood Center . Come and learn all about The Bridge, a new housing, feeding, day/crisis shelter scheduled to open in 2020.

Lunch will be served in the Fellowship Hall. Time to start is 11:30 a.m. All YAH events are open to the public. Cost of the lunch is $7 and paid reservations are required in advance of the event. To reserve seats, CLICK HERE TO PRE-REGISTER. Just know, the office must receive your payment by noon on Monday, November 11.

Never been to a YAH luncheon? First-time attendees can enjoy a complimentary meal. Complimentary tickets/bookmarks can be acquired through Trinity members, or by calling the Church Office at (386) 734-4425. First-time guests must have a reservation, as well.

Still have a question or want to make a reservation, email us at [email protected].

Hope to see you on November 12th!

John and Anita Campbell

Sneakers for Kids

This month, kids at Citrus Grove Elementary School will receive new sneakers, fitted just for them, and two new pairs of socks. You'll be hearing more about it. This project is a reality because of your donations. Trinity, you will make many kids and parents happy. You will help stop the bullying from students who laugh at the kids with torn, smelly, or too small/too large sneakers. You will put smiles on the faces of many children, some who even jump for joy at their new sneakers. Thank you so much!

Lana Saxon, Project Chairman

Breakfast at Trinity

Due to the holidays, Breakfast at Trinity will next meet on November 15 and December 13. This is a change from the normal fourth Fridays.  

In October, we served 90 adults and one child. In addition to a delicious meal, we lay out toiletries, good clothing and shoes/socks each month for our guests. Blankets and warmer clothing are appreciated as we enter the colder months. Leave them in the basket outside Euretta's Closet.

We are always looking for new volunteers. Please consider coming by and we'll put you to work in a job where you feel comfortable. We need cooks, servers of food and drinks, table hosts, counters, devotional leaders, table cleaners, welcomers, helpers on our table of clothing and other items, and helpers who set-up the Fellowship Hall on the Thursday before the Breakfast. Did I mention if you help, God will give you new insight into our community and you will leave a different person? It is truly a blessing to help those who "need a hand up."  

Call Lana Saxon or the church office to volunteer.

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 intercessory prayers, planning and implementing our evangelistic efforts outside the walls of the church, including visitation and hospitality.

If you are interested in being a part of this new team, contact me by email using this link Rob Miller or by leaving me a note in the church's Witness Team mailbox outside the pastor's office.

Rob Miller, Coordinator

PRAYER CORNER

A Thanksgiving Proclamation

Did you know that it was Abraham Lincoln who, in the midst of the Civil War, in 1863, established the annual celebration of Thanksgiving? Lincoln had learned how important it is to stop and thank God in the midst of great difficulties.

"We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that [the gifts of God] should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow citizens...to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens."

~Abraham Lincoln~

 

Please join me in praying for our church family and friends in our Directory:

 

Jane Messersmith, Larry & RuthAnn Miller, Charlotte Minor,

Don & Jan Mogk, Mark & Susan Moor and family.

Carolyn Harner, Prayer Team Coordinator

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."

Bishop Kenneth H. Carter has held multiple roles during a time of great stress in The United Methodist Church. The Florida Conference bishop was one of three moderators of the Commission on a Way Forward , the 32-member panel charged with finding ways through the denomination’s deep divide on homosexuality.

Since May 2018, he has been president of the Council of Bishops. In that role,  he saw the special General Conference adopt , by a 438-384 vote, the Traditional Plan that reinforces policies against “self-avowed practicing” gay clergy and same-sex weddings. A majority of bishops had backed the One Church Plan , another plan to emerge from the commission’s work that would have left questions of ordination up to conferences and weddings up to individual clergy and congregations.

He’ll pass the president’s gavel to Louisiana Conference Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey at the 2020 General Conference in Minneapolis.

In a conversation with UM News, he reflected on his time on the commission, on reaction to the special General Conference 2019, and on expectations for General Conference 2020. To finish reading this Q & A interview and watch a video of the interview, click here .

Fifth Annual St. Simons Island Storytelling Festival

February 14 – 16, 2020

Epworth By The Sea

A weekend of storytelling by four award winning, nationally known professional storytellers will get you laughing, pondering and reminiscing through a series of stories as only they can. Donald Davis, Sheila Arnold, Andy Offutt Irwin and Anne Rutherford will be our tellers. Bil Lepp, a crowd favorite and also a professional storyteller, will serve as emcee. Come experience the fun with us!

Click HERE to read the rest of the article and to register for the event. For details, ask Anita Campbell.

How much do you know about the Bible?

Find out with this week's Bible Quiz and Crossword Puzzle .

GOD HAS ASKED US TO

GO OUT INTO THE WORLD AND

MAKE DISCIPLES FOR JESUS.

PLEASE JOIN WITH US ON THE JOURNEY!

306 W. Wisconsin Avenue

DeLand, Florida 32720