Greetings!
These are exciting times at Trinity! God is on the move in mighty ways. I believe that God is working before we ever realize it and one of the big challenges of the spiritual life is to find where God is working and then to join God in that work. We spend our whole lives trying to catch up to what God is already doing.
We are closer than we have ever been to selling our building. Please pray that God will move us onto our new property smoothly and quickly. When this happens, we will need to be prepared to do ministry a different way than we have for the last few decades. This will be a great time of learning and spiritual growth for us as we explore what it means when we say that the church is the people, not the building.
We say that we are disciples who create disciples through the transforming love of Jesus. But what does it mean to be a disciple? At a very basic level, it means that we share life with those around us. We don’t have to share our faith; we have to share our lives! If faith is a part of lives, then we will naturally share our faith.
But let’s be honest. We can serve others, but if we do not know the names and stories of those we serve, what good is it really doing? Worse, sometimes we serve to stroke our own egos! If what we are doing isn’t making disciples, we will have to take a long, hard look to see how we can transform our methods to meet our mission.
In the days ahead, we are going to be talking a lot about discipleship. Now that we are clear on our mission and vision statements, we are going to look at our resources and see what it looks like to align our resources with who we believe God has called us to be. I have put together a realignment team to help guide us in this. They are:
Debbie Jones, Realignment Team Coordinator
Rick Jones, Lay Leader
Bethany Smith, Council Chair
Mark Moor, Finance
Karen Robbins, SPRC
Bob Kellogg, Trustees Rep
Conya Hartman, Worship
Please pray for this team as they lead and guide us into the next 125 years of exciting ministry here at Trinity. God is with us and the best is yet to come!
I
LOVE being your Pastor!
Todd
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BIRTHDAYS
07 - Michele Bishop
10 - Angle Bohner
24 - April Brunning
25 - Norma Clemente
15 - Carol Forrer
22 - Michael Gately
27 - Beth Harner
15 - Barbara Helms
10 - David Jackson
02 - Judith Krein
26 - Lauren McGehee
09 - Chuck McLaughlin
04 - Cindy Rosso
08 - Lana Saxon
21 - Bertha Stepp Fletcher
09 - Lindle Stewart
28 - Nancy Taylor
14 - Teresa Temperly
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ANNIVERSARIES
08 - Patricia DeBellis and
Glen Oberst
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WORSHIP SERVICES FOR THE MONTH
February 2, Pastor Todd preaching and celebrating at the Table.
Should Christians Be Inclusive? (Questions for God sermon series) Scripture: 1 John 4:7-21
How can a Christian really love everybody? How do we deal with changes in society and people who have different attitudes (especially about divorce, women preaching, homosexuality, etc.)?
February 9, Beth Fogle-Miller, preaching and celebrating at the Table.
Can Faith and Science Be Friends? (Final sermon in the Questions for God series) Scripture: Genesis 1:1 – 2:3. [Note: This is Scout Sunday. Members of Trinity's troop # 599 will present the colors and lead us in the pledge after the Welcome and Announcements. If you know a boy or girl in scouting, invite them to come to church in uniform so we can recognize them!]
What is the conflict between the Biblical creation accounts and the scientific evidence for evolution? What are the issues at stake in the relationship between faith and science? Is it possible to take the Bible seriously without taking it literally? What do we do when the questions don’t have ready answers?
February 16, Pastor Todd preaching and celebrating at the Table.
Walking Where Jesus Walked: Israel Pilgrimage Report
Scripture: Numbers 13: 17-27
Come hear our pilgrims talk about their experience in the Holy Land.
February 19, Taizé Prayer Service - 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary
February 23, Pastor Todd preaching and celebrating at the Table.
Should We Stay or Should We Go?
Scripture: Matt 17:1-9
Moving into God’s future requires us to be in liminal space. Liminal space is the space in-between. We are not who we used to be, neither are we fully where we are going. In these times, we can experience
God with us as we move into sharing our lives with those around us. [Note, this date is known as Transfiguration Sunday.]
Ash Wednesday Worship Service
February 26, Pastor Todd preaching and celebrating at the Table.
6 p.m. in the Sanctuary - Scripture Psalm 51: 1-17
Come receive ashes at this special contemplative service. In Lent we are reminded to take time to consider our spiritual lives. We ask ourselves, “
How is it with our souls?”
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NEW LENTEN CLASSES TO START
Lent 2020 will begin on Wednesday, February 26 and end on Thursday, April 9. Pastor Todd will be teaching some new classes during the Lenten season.
A Bead and a Prayer
Do you even feel uncomfortable when you pray? Have you ever wondered what to say when you pray? Do you find it a challenge to focus on God when you pray? Are you looking for creative and hands-on ways to connect with God?
This class is perfect for those interested in Christian contemplative practices. Participants will be introduced to Protestant prayer beads. No experience in praying with prayer beads is necessary. Over the five-week class, participants will receive instruction in how to use prayer beads, including making their own set of prayer beads, the history of praying with beads and offer a variety of prayers. Each person will experience a hands-on way to deepen their faith, understand basic Christian doctrine and listen to God. It is a wonderful tool for connecting with God. Each lesson will contain:
A scripture passage
A weekly reading
A prayer bead experience
Reflection questions
The short-term class will be taught by Pastor Todd and will meet in the "ramp room". Classes will be held on Thursday evenings, 7-9 p.m. starting February 27. All ages are invited to attend. Each participant will make their own set of prayer beads. The only cost will be for the supplies to make your prayer beads. Each set will cost $10 (payable at the start of class). Should cost be an issue, scholarships are available. See Pastor Todd. Pre-registration is required so ample supplies can be provided on the first day of class. Sign up at the church office by calling (386) 734-4425 or email Pastor Todd at
seniorpastor@trinitydeland.org.
Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina, latin for "
divine reading," is an ancient practice of praying the Scriptures that dates back to the 3rd century. During Lectio Divina, the practitioner listens to the text of the Bible and then, in silence, meditates on what it might mean. The method of Lectio Divina includes moments of reading (lectio), reflecting on (meditatio), responding to (oratio), and resting in (contemplatio) the Word of God with the aim of nourishing and deepening one's relationship with the Divine. This time of prayer will be weekly on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. starting March 4 (except when there is a Taizé Service). We will meet in the "ramp room". No preparation or experience needed.
Contemplative Sit
We live in a busy and noisy world. This time is designed for us to slow down and be still before God. Each week we will begin with a scripture reading or perhaps a poem. We will then have about 20-30 minutes of silence and end with prayer. Beginning Sunday, March 1 at 9:45 a.m., we will meet in the "ramp room".
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CHURCH DIRECTORY
Lifetouch photographers will be onsite March 4 – 7 in Rooms 215 and 217 (Not Your Momma’s SS classroom and the "ramp room"). These rooms will be reserved for the entire 4-day period. Appointments can be made during the following times:
Wednesday, March 4th – 1 to 8 pm
Thursday, March 5th – 1 to 8 pm
Friday, March 6th – 1 to 8 pm
Saturday, March 7th – 10 am to 5 pm
For members who do not have online access, look for our signup table in the Fellowship Hall every Sunday between services.
For more information or to send in a photo to be included in the directory, email us at
history@trinitydeland.org or call the church office at 386-734-4425.
Steve and Debbie Jones, Coordinators
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A SPECIAL NOTE OF THANKS
Dear Our Trinity Family,
We would like to express our gratitude for the prayers and many expressions of love shown to Lori and our family during the past few months. The
Celebration of Life Service for Jeff was a beautiful tribute. The reception afterwards was lovely. So many of you contributed, and we want each of you to know how much it was appreciated. We are truly blessed to be part of such a wonderful church family. Thank you for providing such a strong support system for us all.
With love,
Dawn, Jennifer, David and Clay
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- Packages of low-cut socks for Citrus Grove students. Place your socks in marked bin found in Fellowship Hall.
- Individuals to sign up/donate goodies for Holy Grounds Fellowship Hour.
- Individuals to volunteer to assist Kitchen Team during Fellowship Hour.
- Individuals to sign up for altar flowers in 2020. Look for signup sheet on bulletin board in Fellowship Hall. The cost is $25 for one arrangement. Two can be purchased. Great for birthday/anniverary celebrations!
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BUILDING COMMITTEE UPDATE
It has been a while since the Building Committee provided an update to the congregation on our progress. Things continue to progress:
Our three-year Capital Campaign officially ended on June 1, 2019. To date we have received $1,128,000 from the campaign, which represents 92% of the total pledged. Due to unforeseen circumstances, some members were unable to complete their pledge during the official campaign period. However, many continue to faithfully make payments toward their pledge. Also, some members have contributed above and beyond the amount pledged and continue to do so. For perspective, our Capital Campaign’s financial advisor advised us to expect the campaign would generate 1 to 1.5 times our annual budget. We showed him what Trinity is all about, raising nearly four times our annual budget!!!
A great big “Thank you!” goes out to all who participated in the Capital Campaign through your prayers, donations and other support.
The East Central District Committee of Buildings and Location has now unanimously and enthusiastically approved our undertaking of the project. They also offered several helpful suggestions. The committee members were very complimentary of our efforts and the success of our fundraising. Our congregation’s commitment to the project, financial and otherwise, was a strong contributing factor in obtaining their approval.
Our expenditures to date include the cost of the Capital Campaign ($85,000), demolition of the house on the new property ($12,000), and expenses of survey, engineering and plans ($120,000). Including funds from pledges and funds allocated by the Trustees, less expenditures, we currently have $1,385,000 available for finalizing the building plans, permits, governmental fees, and construction. And, the property is owned by us free and clear.
Many of you have asked what is going to happen to our current church building and how much we anticipate borrowing to complete the new church. This next piece of news is still only tentative but provides a very exciting opportunity to address both questions. St. Barnabas is giving prayerful consideration of buying our property as a means of achieving its school/church and ministry visions. We were requested not to make any announcements of this possibility while our neighbor undertook certain “due diligence” efforts and analysis. An architect was retained to assess our building and necessary renovations for expansion of its school. St. Barnabas has now made its interest public. On 1/26/20 and 1/31/20 it conducted meetings with its church and school communities. At its invitation, several of our committee members attended and reported a good response. St. Barnabas is still exploring this opportunity. There has not been any formal offer or agreed upon price, and a decision is still several months away. Please pray for an outcome that serves both congregations and advances God’s kingdom.
As of the writing of this report, our architect is waiting on delivery of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing drawings from the engineer and working on finalizing the architectural plans set. Once that happens, the plans will be forwarded to the contractor for pricing. After that, the finalized plans and estimated cost, along with the plan for financing the cost over available funds, will be presented to the congregation at a church conference for final approval before moving forward with construction. Also, if St. Barnabas does choose to make an offer for purchase, the sale of our current property would also have to be approved by a church conference and the District Committee of Buildings and Location.
Please continue to keep this project in your prayers.
The Building Committee of Trinity UMC
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FINANCE REPORT
Giving electronically? If you are making your payments to Trinity via electronic funds transfer and your pledge for 2020 differs from 2019, remember to update your Vanco account. If you need assistance, call Mark Moor 386-747-8988.
Trinity United Methodist, the Exciting Church!
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MUSIC AND WORSHIP UPDATES
We are always looking for some additional voices for our traditional worship choir. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Consider being a part of a group of talented musicians sharing their gifts in service to the Lord. And, we get to sing with a pretty amazing accompanist! See me for more information.
I'm looking for “Crusiers” in 2nd-5th grades to join us for
“Spend Awhile on the Nile”, our next Music Makers' musical. We will begin rehearsals on Monday, February 10th!
Are you looking for a place to serve and have not found your passion? Please speak to me about finding the right ministry to use your spiritual gifts. Not sure what your gifts are?
Follow this link to our website where you can learn more and take a simple inventory test to discover your gifts!
Citrus Grove Elementary School's Groovin' at the Grove 5k Run/Walk is Saturday, Feb.29th at 8:00 a.m. Trinity is a sponsor and we would love to have walkers/runners and a cheer station, too! Come out and show your support for our partner school. For more information and to register, use the link above or contact Anita Campbell, our church-school liaison.
Conya Hartman
Director of Music & Worship
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CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRIES
- Feb 1 - cheering squad for MeStrong to gather in front of Bolin home on W. Minnesota Avenue at 7:30 a.m.
- Feb 2 - Souper Bowl of Caring to collect soup, other canned and dry foods, and monetary contributions for Children's Home
- Feb 9 - Scout Sunday - our Boy Scout Troop 599 and Girl Scout Troop 171 will be in attendance during both services
- Feb 25 - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner - 5 to 7 p.m. - to benefit youth missions
Lori Hansard,
Director of Youth
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CREATIVE FUN - TOGETHER!
Do you love to create? Do you enjoy the ideas of others? Let's get together and make some "stuff". Join together on Saturday, February 15th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Trinity;s Fellowship Hall for a day of creating. Bring your craft items, sack lunch, a drink and enjoy your creativity!
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Happy Birthday TRINITY
“A cold start to a warm congregation”
February 20, 2020 marks the 125th anniversary of Trinity United Methodist Church. Times in Florida were not warm or promiding when Trinity United Methodist Church started. The “Great Freeze” of 1894-1895 dealt a severe blow to the citrus industry from north and central Florida to Key West. On December 27, 1894 temperatures dipped into the teens in Volusia County. Five weeks later on February 7, 1895 a second cold front hit central Florida, dropping temperatures into the 20s. Many families suddenly found themselves wiped out financially. The freezes almost led Henry DeLand into bankruptcy. This was a brave and determined group. Despite their financial and physical hardships, on February 20, 1895 this faithful and determined group of men and women were recognized as a congregation to be known as First Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
The congregation can trace its beginnings back to 1892 when a Methodist circuit rider began holding services in the old City Hall building in DeLand. This circuit rider, the Reverend Joseph F. Bell, also served small congregations in Seville, Pierson, DeLeon Springs and Bethel. The DeLand congregations had been worshipping together as a “Mission Charge” by the Mission Board of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South since 1892. Pastor Bell continued his ministry to the congregation until 1896.
In 1896 the Reverend A. E. Harrison was assigned to the DeLand church as its full time pastor. As an officially recognized Methodist church they obtained the use of the old DeLand school house until members were able to secure a permanent location of their own. On November 10, 1898 the congregation purchased the old First Baptist Church building on the corner of East Rich Avenue near Woodland Boulevard. According to the Annual Summary of Members, the congregation grew from 32 members in 1897 to 58 members in 1900.
Today Trinity United Methodist Church continues to be a warm and loving congregation seeking to spread the love of Christ throughout our community and the world.
Steve Jones, Historian
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The highly anticipated ME STRONG 5k will take place in historic downtown DeLand on Saturday, February 1 starting at 8 a.m. For more information,
use this link.
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CITRUS GROVE PARTNERSHIP
Citrus Grove Elementary (our church-school partner) will hold its annual
Family Fun Run on Saturday, February 29th, beginning at 8 a.m. Visit
the school's website to register as a runner or walker.
Trinity is a sponsor of this event and we will have a table to meet/greet folks and share information about the church. We also will have a "water stop/cheering squad" along the race route.
Both places will need a number of volunteers. If you would like to serve as a volunteer, call the church office or send an email noting your interest to
volunteers@trinitydeland.org.
If you have registered or are planning to run/walk in the race, please let the church office know.
Anita Campbell, CG Liaison
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INTERFAITH KITCHEN
Once a month, members of Trinity provide a dinner meal for the homeless and destitute of our community. Volunteers are needed (individually or in ministry teams) to prepare and serve these meals through the Interfaith Kitchen, located at First UMC.
On Tuesday, February 18th we will be making Stone Soup! While there are many versions of the tale, the basic premise is that everyone provides what they have to enhance the soup made from stones and water. This collaboration creates a wonderful meal that feeds everyone. This is how we are going to feed the 100 or so individuals that God brings to the table this month.
What we need from you! Check your fridge, freezer, and pantry for anything that would work well in a soup, such as, broth, bones, beans, and vegetables. We could also use:
*5 large bags or boxes of mixed greens for a salad
*5 sheet pans of cornbread
*5 sheet pans of cakes
*10-12 Servers/hosts
Please contact February’s coordinator, Debbie Jones, to let her know what you can provide. Her contact info is 386-490-0374
debbiemj60@gmail.com. Bring items for the soup to TUMC by noon Monday 2/17. Salad and baked goods can be dropped off to TUMC on Tuesday 2/18 by 2 p.m.
Melissa Fuller coordinates this outreach ministry and she needs enough man/woman-power to cook for and serve 100 people each month. You do not have to be a member of Trinity to serve! If you love to cook, enjoy meeting and serving others, and would like to help, find her at church on Sundays or email her at
fuller_b@bellsouth.net.
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Join us for our next —
YOUNG AT HEART DAY TRIP!
Where:
Daytona Museum of Arts & Sciences
When: Tuesday, February 4th
Admission: The first Tuesday of every month, the Museum of Arts & Sciences, including the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art, offers free admission (planetarium shows not included) to Volusia County residents with proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, library card, or utility bill. (Visit
https://www.moas.org/
for detailed information on exhibits, tours, etc.) We will try to schedule a group tour, but you do not have to take advantage of it and can tour on your own.
Schedule:
- 9:00 am – Gather at church for fellowship/continental breakfast
- 9:20 am – Bus leaves church
- 10:00 am – Arrive MOAS and begin tour (group or on your own)
- 12:00 pm – Have lunch in Museum (Honey Baked Ham Café)
- 12:45 pm – Resume tour of museum (group or on your own)
- 1:45 pm – Complete tour and return to bus
- 1:55 pm – Leave museum
- 2:30 pm – Return to church
You can pre-register your attendance by visiting the church website and locating the event date (February 4) on the church calendar or using this link:
Calendar of Events
. Another way is to call the church office. Questions? Call 386-734-9224. Deadline to signup is Monday, February 3rd at noon.
BE SURE TO REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR ID!
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The next Young at Heart (YAH) luncheon will be held on
Tuesday, February 11th.
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 a program presented by Hospice.
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
. The office must receive your payment by noon on Monday, February 10th.
Never been to a YAH luncheon? First-time attendees can enjoy a complimentary meal. Complimentary tickets (that look like bookmarks) can be found in the church office or on the shelf outside the sanctuary. First-time guests must turn in a completed ticket and make a reservation as well.
We hope to see you at the next YAH event!
John and Anita Campbell
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Breakfast at Trinity Update
- In January, we served 111 adults and one child.
- We changed our security/entrance procedures.
- We received 97 blankets from December's 125 Celebration campaign.
- We distributed 31 blankets in December and 38 in January
- We will distribute 28 in February
- Thank you!
Sneakers for Kids Update
- In January, members donated 80 packages of socks for children at Citrus Grove. The 125 Campaign for socks ended on January 31st. January's communion offerings will enable us to purchase the remaining number of socks needed.
- Thank you!
Lana Saxon, Coordinator
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PRAYER CORNER
For those of you who attend church regularly, you’ve become very familiar with Psalm 46:10.
‘Be still and know that I am God’ followed by two minutes of silence before we present our prayer petitions. This is Pastor Todd’s beautiful way of bringing us into God’s presence, to behold His majesty and humble ourselves before Him. It is also a time of listening to what God may have to say to us.
I was amused to read in a recent Selwyn Hughes’ devotion of a famous preacher who once preached from Psalm 46 and entitled his message
‘Have you a God you can be still with?’ It was reported that most of the trend- conscious and well-educated congregation didn’t hear what he was saying because they could only think that he ended the sentence with a preposition! “How sad that when eternal issues were at stake, their only thought was of grammar.” (Hughes' quote.)
Hughes posed the same question to his readers and I share it with you to consider.
“Is your life such a ceaseless round of activity that when you come to focus your mind on God, you can’t give yourself to the task very long so you spill out a few prayers and then you are gone.” Ouch! He hit me where I am vulnerable. How about you? He suggests we can’t get to REALLY know God that way and he is right on the mark.
Prayer: Slow us down, Lord. We only take this journey once and if we get things into the proper perspective, it will make the ride a lot smoother. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
As we continue praying our way through the church directory, please pray for these church family members and friends during the month of February:
Bob & Cyndie Pickren, Kay Pitts, Ed & Carol Plummer,
Daisy Poss, Jane Presson
Carolyn Harner, Prayer Team Coordinator
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FACEBOOK ONLINE VIEWS ARE PICKING UP
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Every Sunday, Pastor Todd asks us to
"check in" on
Facebook when we are attending church in person, but what if we are traveling or ill? Be sure to visit our Facebook page on Sunday mornings at 8:30 to view our early worship service live - online. Even better? Invite your friends to view with you by creating a
"Watch Party!"
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YOUR HELP IS STILL NEEDED!
We are now up to 59 subscribers but need at least 41 more to use
YouTube Live for streaming.
Please help us to achieve our goal of 100+ subscribers! Don't know how? Call the church office and one of our volunteers will be able to assist you. Thanks!
Anita Campbell, Communications
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STAY IN TOUCH
If your contact information (name, mailing address, telephone number, email address) has changed, please notify the church. You can call the office at (386) 734-4425 or email the office volunteers at
officemgr@trinitydeland.org
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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, call the church office.
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* IMPORTANT EMAILS *
Conya Hartman -
Trinity Office Team (TOT) -
Lori Hansard -
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Heard about our
PhoneVites? It's a weekly phone call to let you know what is happening at Trinity. To sign up automatically, visit our website and look under the
Get Connected tab, or call the church office.
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PRE-REGISTER FOR EVENTS!
We have created an easy way to
pre-register for events via email. Simply create an email using the address
reservations@trinitydeland.org to let the office know which event you will be attending and how many RSVPs you are making. There is no way to make an online payment yet, but we hope to have that system set up in the new year.
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- Like to take messages and talk with folks? Want to help in the Church Office? Contact Debra Wood.
- Willing to be a greeter or ambassador on Sundays? Contact Dave Shipman, Susan Largen 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 Becky Hurlburt 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 Anita Campbell.
- Interested in serving on the Altar Guild? Contact Cherrie Casselberry 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? Contact Conya Hartman.
- Interested in reading scripture and/or participating in worship services? Contact Rev. Todd Bardin 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 strengthen our ability to witness to others. If interested, see or contact 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. Contact Judy Ross, Ann Jenkins or Susan Largen.
If you do not personally know some or all of these ministry team leaders but want to contact them about volunteering, send an email to
volunteers@trinitydeland.org
, or 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,
BISHOP KENNETH CARTER, AND THE EAST CENTRAL DISTRICT OFFICE
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Dear Florida Conference Clergy and Laity:
Many of you have asked how you can learn more about the upcoming
General Conference
in May 2020. All interested Florida Conference clergy and laity are welcome to attend a two-hour informational session on Saturday, February 1
st
at First UMC in Lakeland, FL. Members of the delegation and Conference Table will be in attendance.
The session will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude by noon.
Lunch will not be provided.
Delegation members will describe some of the plans coming to General Conference, including the recently released
Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation
. Breakout groups around legislation coming from the General Board of Church and Society related to the
Revised Social Principles and the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women
, as well as a general orientation to General Conference will also be included. We will conclude with prayer for the delegation.
There are plans to video record some parts of this day and share on the Conference website.
Additionally here are three ways you can prepare for General Conference:
- Go to https://www.resourceumc.org/en/churchwide/general-conference-2020 and read news and other articles. Eventually all proposed legislation will be posted here.
- Pray for our Florida delegation. A list of our delegation can be found at https://www.flumc.org/florida-gc-delegation-2020. If you would like to send a note to the delegation and any comments or questions for them to consider, email fldelegation@flumc.org. Your email will be shared with the entire delegation.
- Plan to attend yet-to-be-scheduled webinars before and after General Conference hosted by delegation leaders.
We appreciate your prayers as we approach General Conference. Together we remain
on mission together
.
Rev. Alex Shanks, Clergy Head of Delegation
Molly McEntire, Lay Head of Delegation
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A SUMMARY COMPARISON OF PROPOSALS FOR GC 2020
This summary compares proposals from various groups about the future of The UMC. It does not include plans from individuals. Plans are listed in alphabetical order, left to right. Further details are in the plan documents and legislation. All plans will be open for amendments at General Conference and may be subject to Judicial Council review. This chart may be updated after legislation is published.
Click HERE to view the summary document. If you would like a printed copy, contact the church office.
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NEWS FROM JUDI NEW, CONFERENCE ARCHIVIST
It is with great excitement that I share with you that on February 6, the Florida Conference will celebrate its 175
th
Anniversary! On February 6, 1845, one month before Florida was granted statehood, the Florida Conference held the first session at Trinity United Methodist Church in Tallahassee. Today, your church is invited to celebrate this significant milestone in the life of the conference in your own unique way.
“I am grateful for all of the streams of history that have flowed into the present day life of the Florida Conference”,
Bishop Ken Carter recently noted.
"Over one hundred and seventy-five years, our state has changed dramatically and our churches have grown with and adapted to the changing landscape of peoples who have arrived. I am in awe of the faithfulness of laity and clergy who have been an outward and visible sign of God’s grace across Florida."
Have you seen the commemorative video that debuted at Annual Conference 2019? If not, please take a moment to enjoy this informative video that celebrates the Florida Conference. If you have seen it, please watch it again and be sure to share it with your church family!
Some ideas for your church to consider ways to celebrate may be through a special music moment in worship, whether it is the children’s choir, chancel choir or praise band playing a worship song that celebrates this anniversary. Or, your church may want to hold a birthday celebration with cake and the singing of “
Happy Birthday
”! A special prayer or congregational response may be another way to signify the 175 years of ministry in our great Conference.
We do ask that you send a picture, video, and update to us so we can post to our page on the Florida Conference website and other social media. We want our brothers and sisters Conference-wide to see how YOU celebrated! Please send any celebration videos or pictures to
judith.m.new@gmail.com
.
Also, now is a good time to update the history of your local church. When you can, please send an updated history to the Heritage Center so we can keep this valuable information for future generations. If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at
judith.m.new@gmail.com
.
Make it fun, make it special, and above all make this wonderful celebration a way to give thanks for the countless ways God has faithfully moved to allow the Holy Spirit to flow through this Conference that we hold so dear. In Him,
Rev. Judi New, archivist
for the Florida Conference
Psalm 132:18 “Let this be recorded for a generation to come,
so that a people yet unborn may praise the Lord.”
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News from The East Central District
Save these dates to your calendar:
- CALLED TO SERVE: Annual Leadership Training Worshops
Saturday, February 22nd
First UMC of Oviedo
This is a half-day training with multiple breakout sessions designed to educate and engage both clergy and laity in the exciting process of working together to build God's kingdom. To see workshop descriptions and sign up, visit
www.flumc.org/ecdcalledtoserve.
- Florida Children's Home (FUMCH) Day on Campus ♦ March 28
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How much do you know about the Bible? Find out with this month's
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GOD HAS ASKED US TO
GO OUT INTO THE WORLD AND
MAKE DISCIPLES FOR JESUS.
PLEASE JOIN WITH US ON THE JOURNEY!
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306 W. Wisconsin Avenue
DeLand, Florida 32720
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