Greetings!

“Do no harm, do good, stay in love with God.”

These three simple rules guided the action of John Wesley three centuries ago and they continue to be general rules of discipleship for us today in the United Methodist Church.

In addressing the first rule, “do no harm,” Bishop Rueben P. Job, in his book 40 Days with Wesley, described it this way:

“It is not that complicated. And when practiced, it works wonders in transforming the world around us. This first simple step, when practiced, can provide a safe place to stand while the hard and faithful work of discernment is done. I will guard my lips, my mind and my heart so that my language will not disparage, injure or wound another child of God.”

I love Bishop Job’s wise and timeless words, but on this one matter, doing no harm, I do not agree that it is a simple matter. There are times when we must choose between which option does the ‘least harm.’ There are other times when our simple human nastiness bubbles out of our mouths and we wonder, “Did I just say that out loud?”

Sometimes I’m amazed to hear someone say, “I don’t really have a filter” or “I’m not afraid to tell others exactly what I think.” What they are really saying is, “I don’t really care about you or what you think. I’m more important than you are.” The painful truth to these statements is that far too often they describe ourselves, not others. I know it’s painful to admit that about myself.

David Gregory, in his book “Dinner with a Perfect Stranger", shared a conversation about human sin. One of the table companions writes on the back of a business card and puts Mother Theresa’s name on the top of the card and Adolph Hitler on the bottom. He connects them with a line and asks, “ Where would you put yourself on the line? ”

To illustrate how far we have fallen from God’s perfect grace, he then describes placing the card on the sidewalk and climbing to the very top of the Sears Tower in Chicago to find God. All of humanity is that far removed from God. There is no way possible for any of us to be restored to a perfect relationship with God, save the grace of Jesus Christ on the cross…not even those we consider to be saints. The fabric between God and us has been torn and can only be repaired by God.

Is it any wonder society and even our wonderful church struggles with “do no harm?” Even St. Paul struggled with his own sinful nature. “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me.” (Romans 7:15, 20) Keep on keeping on and be encouraged by our desire to avoid harm, doing good and staying in love with God.

“I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: 'Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people, he’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes.'” (Rev 21:3-4 Message)

Loving God, remind me often today where I find my identity. May I never forget that I am your beloved child. May I listen for and hear your faintest whisper, feel your slightest touch, respond quickly to your call, yield to your word of correction, rejoice in your companionship, and serve you faithfully all the days of my life. Thank you for hearing my prayers and accepting my life. I offer them to you as completely as I can in the name and Spirit of Jesus Christ. Amen.

~Bishop Ruben Job

Your humbled servant in Christ Jesus,

Dale Golden

“Revival of Israel with Ezra and Nehemiah”

April 22-July 1 Series:

June 3 Nehemiah 3:1-5 - There is room at the wall for everyone!

Beginning with the high priests as laborers, setting the example at the Sheep Gate. All but the nobles take turns through chapter 3, each tribe making repairs and rebuilding every wall section and gate, ending with the goldsmiths and merchants finishing back at the Sheep Gate. In God’s kingdom, everyone has a part to play, but will we all play?

June 10 Nehemiah 4:1-6 - Taunts of unbelief

What are the Jews’ external and internal threats to rebuilding their ancient city. Leadership, faithfulness and calling upon the Lord is paramount to success. “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord...is great and awesome….”

June 17 Nehemiah 5:1-2, 5-7, 9-12 - Being accountable to God and each other

Nehemiah calls people out when they treat fellow believers in the same ill behavior as society. He helps those who have been given much to understand their greater responsibility to their kindred community. Love God; love each other.

June 24 Nehemiah 6:15-16, 7:1-2 - With God’s help, anything is possible!

Words can be deceptive and harmful. Nehemiah builds both the wall and unity among the people and in the end reminded us that vengeance belongs to the Lord alone. Tribe by tribe the wall is built in just 52 days. Build it and they will come.

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.

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.

Strengthen

Build up the local church by renewing leaders and

reinforcing the vision of both clergy and laity.

Inspire

Come away recommitted, passionate and confident

for the future of your church and ministry.

Pastor Dale was truly inspired last year when he attended the 2017 Leadership Institute. For that reason (and more) members of the Administrative Council are encouraging current and future leaders of our church to consider attending this equipping, strengthening and inspiring conference. Trinity plans to send a small contingency to the 2018 Leadership Institute in September. If you are interested, please see Pastor Dale Golden for application details.

A NOTE FROM OUR CHURCH HISTORIAN

Greetings to all Trinity UMC Members and Friends,

As I reflect on the concept of "Church Historian", I realize that within this context here it is really a matter of being a historian of a specific congregation, us. We have always been a part of the universal church gathered in the name of Jesus Christ. However, we are distinct within that universal setting with our own grasp of the Gospel for the people and circumstances of our locality.

We have a goodly history from our founding in the last decade of the 19th Century during a period of economic stress. A hard freeze disabled the citrus industry in Florida during that time. It challenge the future of this fledgling congregation of the Methodist Church, South, which had just started its congregational life and mission. Our forbears, though challenged by the economic downturn, nevertheless sacrificed and continued to grow. We have continued to exist and to grow. We, along with other Protestant denominations, reached a peak of membership and service amidst the turbulent times of the mid-20th Century. We have since that time become smaller in size. The task in front of us in the world and community, however, has continued to grow and intensify.

Charles Wesley wrote these words set to music now sung as a hymn, "And are we yet alive, and see each other's face," (No. 553, Methodist Hymnal) we come to worship, to study, and to feast together "seeing each other's face." We have this fellowship because of those over the years who have pressed on so this work might continue. We no longer see the faces of so many who have worked so hard to be faithful to God's call through Jesus Christ. Their faith enabled their sacrifice of time, their giving of talent, and their giving of economic substance to establish Trinity United Methodist Church for the 21st Century. The context of our time is, of course, different in its particulars, but our human, social, and political needs to which the Gospel is addressed will continue on as it has in the past.

  

The Committee on Church History is designed to explore and recover the past story of our congregation's members and their stories so as to "paint an inspiring picture" to which this generation of members will add. This will take time and require some energy on its part and we invite you to join this group if you have an interest, even an "inkling" of an interest in history, people and stories that are relevant to our life together. All we need now is you!

Contact me by email by using this link or inform Pastor Dale of your interest and willingness to help. We will get in touch with you soon.

Peace,

L. Tom Cunningham, Historian

TRUSTEES UPDATE

On May 9th, we had our regular meeting where we heard a report given by our new Security Manager, Jeff Hansard. Jeff brought to our attention some potential issues and observations that may require additional security components. The Trustees will further explore this issue at our June meeting.

  

We recently received and accepted two very generous estate gifts of which a portion ($50,000) has been set aside to be administered by the Education Committee for a new endowed scholarship fund to be set up with the Florida UM Foundation. The remainder will be kept by the foundation and will be designated for our Building Fund.

Our next meeting is June 13th. Blessing to all from the Trustees!

Daniel Vergara, chair

NIGHT FOR FREEDOM UPDATE

On April 14, at St. Ann's Catholic Church in DeBary, over 200 people attended the Night for Freedom banquet/auction. Several members from Trinity attended; five of our Trinity members assisted with event production: Dan Vergara, Vanessa Vergara, Becky Hurlbert, Angel Bohner and Lori Hansard. Their help was greatly appreciated.

Gross receipts totalled $22,962.75. This figure doubled what last year's event earned. Event sponsor, the H.O.P.E. Team (Helpers of People Enslaved) is thrilled at raising so much money to help their cause. The monies will be maintained in a grants fund. Agencies within the Central FL area who have an established “safe house” or are in the process of building one will be eligible to apply for a grant.

The H.O.P.E. Team consists of 16 members representing seven different churches and denominations in the West Volusia area. Lana Saxon is Trinity's representative.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS NIGHT II

An estiamted 100,000 boys and girls in the U.S. are sexually exploited every year and the average age is 12. Parents who give their children a phone need to know all their passwords and frequently look at who their children are talking with. Tell your kids you are doing this; otherwise, you will lose their trust. Children are innocent; they can start up a conversation on Facebook with someone who makes them feel good, gains their trust, then wants to meet them. The child sees nothing wrong with that, yet a parent sees RED FLAGS everywhere!

Trinity's second Human Trafficking Awareness Night gave us the above info plus plenty more. Jan Edwards spends a lot of time in Tallahassee trying to get laws on the books regarding the trafficking industry. She has educated over 3500 children, teens, and young adults about the subject and will not stop. Her dynamic talk on May 17 was heard by 57 people, who will pass this info on to children, grandchildren, and neighbors. About seven of our youth were there to hear her stories and watch the docufilm.

What can YOU do? Pray for Jan and all who are involved in the fight. Pray for the H.O.P.E. Team which is spreading awareness. Keep your eyes open and if you see something that looks wrong, say something OR call the National Hotline number at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to 233733.

SCHOOL-CHURCH PARTNERSHIPS

May 30th will mark the end of the school year for most students, but many students will participate in summer school at George Marks Elementary. The next school year will begin August 13th. Many students come to school without having needed supplies for the classroom. When these supplies aren’t provided, teachers spend their own money to pay for them.

If we would like to help our schools, having a school supplies drive may be a good option. I will look forward to receiving suggestions or other ideas about how Trinity wants to help Citrus Grove, such as a "Welcome Back Teachers Brunch or Lunch" before the students return, or gift cards for teachers to purchase much-needed classroom supplies. I know they are very thankful for the support we have given. Email me at [email protected] with your ideas!

Leslie LaRue, Partnership Leader

WHY MENTOR?

Mentoring, at its core, guarantees young people that there is someone who cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges, and makes them feel like they matter. Research confirms that quality mentoring relationships have powerful positive effects on young people in a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations. Ultimately, mentoring connects a young person to personal growth and development, and social and economic opportunity. Yet one in three young people will grow up without this critical asset . - (visit http://www.mentoring.org/why-mentoring/mentoring-impact/ to read more.)

For more information on how you can become a mentor, contact Anita or John Campbell.

SNEAKERS FOR KIDS CAMPAIGN 2018

Thank you! For every pair of sneakers we gave to children at Citrus Grove, we also gave two new pairs of socks. Last year, you donated so many socks that we were able to use them for both of our shoe giveaways (December of 2017 and April 2018).

We have now depleted our supply and need your help. This summer, you will find a bin in the Fellowship Hall for our SOCK COLLECTION. Kids really like thin socks and low-cut or ankle socks. You may contribute socks over the next three months, so you have plenty of time to find the best price. Chidlren's shoe sizes run from size 13 (small foot) to 10 (older girls and boys).

This is a project of Trinity's Missions & Outreach Team. Contact Lana Saxon for more info.

Cindy Fox, Team Leader

Dear Trinity Family,

The role of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexuals and queers (LGBTQ) in The United Methodist Church will be brought before a Special Session of the General Conference to be held in St. Louis, Missouri, February 23-26, 2019. The issue of homosexuality has been brought before the General Conference (which meets every quadrenium) for decades and tabled. However, in 2016, the General Conference authorized the Council of Bishops (which presents legislative proposals for changes to the Book of Discipline and is presided over by Florida’s Bishop Kenneth Carter) to form a commission to study the issue and make recommendations. Members were given the task of advising the Council of possible ways through the impasse. Conference delegates also approved of the special session, as a way of moving the issue forward.

The 32-member Commission on a Way Forward was a diverse group, ethnically speaking, and included three openly gay members. After two years of intense prayer for the leading of the Holy Spirit, the group presented three plans to the Council of Bishops for their consideration: The Traditionalist Plan, The One Church Plan and The Connectional Conference Plan. Here is a BRIEF description of each Plan:

The Traditionalist Plan - There would be no change to The Book of Discipline which states the “practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching”. It bans ordination of “self-avowed, practicing gay clergy....”

The One Church Plan - Each Conference would be able to decide whether to ordain LGBTQ individuals as clergy. Congregations would decide if they would receive an openly gay pastor, and pastors would decide whether or not to perform same-sex unions. (Some parts of the UM Connectional system already make their own decisions.)

The Connectional Conference Plan - This plan would share doctrines, services, and one Council of Bishops, but the five U.S. jurisdictions would be replaced by three connectional conferences ranging from traditional to progressive. Each Annual Conference would decide which connectional conference to join according to what best fits their mission field.

*During the special session, delegates will only act on the bishops’ report. Most of the delegates for the 2019 session will be those who attended the 2016 General Conference, though The Book of Discipline allows annual conferences to elect new delegates if they so choose. As with every General Conference the number of clergy and lay (non-clergy) delegates will be equal. Bishops preside, but do not vote.

Two annual conferences — California-Nevada and New York — have made plans for a new election of delegates. The Red Bird Missionary Conference has made plans to elect new reserve delegates. About 58 percent of the delegates will come from the United States and 30 percent from Africa. The remaining delegates are from the Philippines, Europe and Eurasia, as well as 10 from “concordat” churches with which The United Methodist Church has formal relationships.

The Council of Bishops recently announced it is recommending The One Church Plan, which would allow local churches and conferences more freedom about whether to participate in same-sex weddings and ordain gay clergy. The bishops also said they will include the two other plans in their report. One question that cannot be answered at this point is just how much of what happens in 2019 will affect what comes before the 2020 General Conference. The final decision threatens to divide the church; indeed, it has already had an impact on Trinity and some of our precious families have left. They have their reasons and have every right to decide what God is saying to them in their hearts.

To aid our understanding, Point of View (POV) "town meetings" are now being organized in churches or districts around the country to offer differing perspectives regarding human sexuality. Trinity's plan (to be led by our Staff Parish Relations Committee chair Karen Averill) is to provide an opportunity for questions to be asked and all to be heard on the matter. Until these plans are announced, please pray, pray and pray again that God will inspire and bless us as we come together in love and have a meaningful conversation which will bring unity, not discord.

Now will you join me in praying this month for these members and friends in our Directory:

Lee and Beth Britton, The Don and April Brunning family, Richard and Barbara Brunning, Mary Burbridge, and Paul, Dona and David Butler.

Blessings,

Carolyn Harner, Prayer Team Coordinator (*references adapted from articles found on various UM websites)

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATES!

UNITED METHODIST 101 CLASS

The final class for this term will be held June 6th, 6:00-7:00 p.m. For more information about the next class or how you can become a member of Trinity, contact Pastor Dale.

SARAH CIRCLE NEWS

Sarah Circle is a vibrant circle that has found its purpose. We are doing a prayer shawl/prayer book ministry. Those of us who knit or crochet will be making prayer shawls and those of us who like working with paper will be making prayer books. And, even if you are not sure how to do either, we hope you will join us to learn how for it's fun!

The hand-made items will be distributed to church family and friends who are going through some trying times. If you would like to help, please email Melissa Fuller or Deb Bennett. We are a very social group doing God’s work.

Sarah Circle meets the first Tuesday of the month in the Wesley Room; however, during the summer months we will meet just for lunch. If you would like to join us, we will meet June 5th at Cook’s Cafe at 11:30 a.m. Join us!

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 .

CONTINUING THE CELEBRATION OF OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY!

The April 1968 merger that created The United Methodist Church not only birthed a new denomination, it abolished a painful part of Methodist history: The Central Jurisdiction, which segregated African-Americans from their Methodist brethren.

It was an earlier 1939 merger that created The Methodist Church from the Methodist Episcopal Church, Methodist Episcopal Church South, and the Methodist Protestant Church. The Southern church only agreed to the merger after a compromise created a jurisdiction based exclusively on race — not geography.

To continue reading about this part of our denomination's history,  CLICK ON THIS LINK.

Anita Campbell, chairperson

Florida Conference Commission on Archives & History

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