GNGJ Offering Exceeds Goal€¦ · Trinity Presbyterian Church—4365 S.R. 776—Venice FL 34293...

6
Trinity Presbyterian Church—4365 S.R. 776—Venice FL 34293 GNGJ Offering Exceeds Goal I know that pride is one of the seven deadly sins but (Lord forgive me) I must brag on you for a moment… Trinity has done it again! Our special GoodNEWS & GreatJOY offering has simply exceeded all expectations. Our announced goal of $25,000 seemed to be a steep one. Some at times, including myself quietly thought, if might be out of reach. And yet…and yet…we were able to go way over the top with a grand total of $29,206. Your gift is a fragrant offering…pleasing to God. Philippians 4:18b Let’s keep in mind what this goal achieved: We were able to fund all of our missionaries and mission projects—local, regional, and global— completely. Along with that all of our other year-end financial commitments were met. In addition to this, we were able to stand with our Middle Eastern mission partners in establishing Christian schools for the children of Syrian refugees. Bravo, Trinity! But as much as I want to “brag” on you, let’s keep it real: This happened because the Holy Spirit was at work among us— and to God alone be the glory! Sola Gloria Dei. May you have a blessed and joyous year as we begin 2017. Pastor Chuck Bravo Trinity … You Did It Again! Two Study Groups Begin Soon ! The Jesus I Never Knew Phillip Yancey The book, The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey, offers a new and different perspective on the life of Christ and his work—his teachings, his miracles, his death and resurrection—and ultimately, who he was and why he came. This book will press beyond familiar images of Christ to discover Jesus as you've never known him: radical, compelling, compassionate, bold, incisive, and ultimately satisfying. Study Group will start Sunday January 22 at 9 AM and will be lead by Rev. Bill Gaydos. Bill is a retired UCC pastor who is active, along with his wife Jackie, in Trinity Church. He is a graduate of Yale Divinity School. Sunday Mornings See “Study Groups” continued on page 2

Transcript of GNGJ Offering Exceeds Goal€¦ · Trinity Presbyterian Church—4365 S.R. 776—Venice FL 34293...

Page 1: GNGJ Offering Exceeds Goal€¦ · Trinity Presbyterian Church—4365 S.R. 776—Venice FL 34293 GNGJ Offering Exceeds Goal I know that pride is one of the seven deadly sins but (Lord

Trinity Presbyterian Church—4365 S.R. 776—Venice FL 34293

GNGJ Offering Exceeds Goal

I know that pride is one of the seven deadly sins but (Lord forgive me) I must brag on you for a moment…

Trinity has done it again! Our special GoodNEWS & GreatJOY offering has simply exceeded all expectations. Our announced goal of $25,000 seemed to be a steep one. Some at times, including myself quietly thought, if might be out of reach.

And yet…and yet…we were able to go way over the top with a grand total of $29,206.

Your gift is a fragrant offering…pleasing to God. Philippians 4:18b

Let’s keep in mind what this goal achieved: We were able to fund all of our missionaries and mission projects—local, regional, and global—completely. Along with that all of our other year-end financial commitments were met.

In addition to this, we were able to stand with our Middle Eastern mission partners in establishing Christian schools for the children of Syrian refugees.

Bravo, Trinity!

But as much as I want to “brag” on you, let’s keep it real: This happened because the Holy Spirit was at work among us—and to God alone be the glory! Sola Gloria Dei.

May you have a blessed and joyous year as we begin 2017.

Pastor Chuck

Bravo Trinity … You Did It Again!

Two Study Groups

Begin Soon !

The Jesus I Never Knew

Phillip Yancey

The book, The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey, offers a new and different perspective on the life of Christ and his work—his teachings, his miracles, his death and resurrection—and ultimately, who he was and why he came. This book will press beyond familiar images of Christ to discover Jesus as you've never known him: radical, compelling, compassionate, bold, incisive, and ultimately satisfying. Study Group will start Sunday January 22 at 9 AM and will be lead by Rev. Bill Gaydos. Bill is a retired UCC pastor who is active, along with his wife Jackie, in Trinity Church. He is a graduate of Yale Divinity School.

Sunday Mornings

See “Study Groups” continued on page 2

Page 2: GNGJ Offering Exceeds Goal€¦ · Trinity Presbyterian Church—4365 S.R. 776—Venice FL 34293 GNGJ Offering Exceeds Goal I know that pride is one of the seven deadly sins but (Lord

Page 2 Tr in i ty-Tr iL i tes — January 2017

Pastor Jim Sharp says; "The best way to discover the one true God is not through philosophical discourse but a careful study of Scripture -- the primary place where God has chosen to reveal Himself. God is there and ... He is not silent!”

This class begins on February 5 at 10:15am and has the potential of opening our minds and our hearts to the God of glory and the Savior of our souls. The more we know God ... the more our lives are transformed. Pastor Sharp served Grace Bible Church in Lake Como, NJ for 21 years and Good Shepherd Church in Englewood for 13 years. Pastor Jim has studied the Scriptures at Arizona Bible College, Philadelphia Biblical University, Antioch College and Biblical Theological Seminary.

He considers the teaching and preaching of God's Word his highest honor and loves God's people. He says that his wife; Diane is not only his best friend and encourager but also a full partner in ministry over the years.

Since retiring from full-time pastoral work he has founded Greater Grace Ministries. This internet ministry has allowed Pastor Jim to spread the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus around the world via www.sermonaudio.com/shepherd.

Study Groups Continued from page 1

Entering the New Year is almost like the Wise men returning from the birth of Jesus by going another way. The path before one is new, there are unexpected moments and unknown “awe” experiences to be ours in 2017. And at the same time it is the reality that we will need to touch the reset button in our lives to energize us and our faith. That is to touch and he touched by the God of hope found in Jesus Christ. When this happens our world comes alive with power and the music of life embraces us once again. A true story out of the life of the organist at the Chapel of Yale University. There was an event in the Chapel that used multi-media with screens and organ and sound. Somehow the technology simply stopped and all the experts from the university were not able to start the program. The next day the company that made the technological computer system asked if they had “pushed the reset button?” They said no and asked where it was located. Upon finding it they pushed the button and all began to work again. New Years for many of us is a time when within our lives and our ministry we simply need to push the reset to make it work. The unstuck often comes when we touch it and power comes on again. 2017 is inviting us to push the reset in the midst of our lives and faith allowing the witness of God’s power to us and with us and through us. Amen Blessings, Pastor Lewis

Don’t Forget

The Reset Button !

“…they returned to their country by another route.” Matthew 2:12b

Page 3: GNGJ Offering Exceeds Goal€¦ · Trinity Presbyterian Church—4365 S.R. 776—Venice FL 34293 GNGJ Offering Exceeds Goal I know that pride is one of the seven deadly sins but (Lord

Page 3 Tr in i ty-Tr iL i tes — January 2017

TriM

Caroling Year-Round

On Wednesday, February 15th at 12 noon, the Trinity Players will present the play Love Letters by A. R. Gurney at a Theatre Luncheon in the church CLC. Tickets are available at $15 each. Love Letters is a two act play about childhood friends (Andy and Melissa) whose lifelong correspondence begins with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards. Romantically attached, they continue to exchange letters through the next 50 years where they experience the hopes, dreams, humor and disappointments of life. The cast will be Wilson and Florence Barker as Andy and Melissa with Paul Mrha as the announcer. The lunch will be prepared by the super cooks from CAM, Trish DeFilippis and Gail Inglis. All the proceeds from the program will go to support the Community Assistance Ministry. Just a little more info:

Love Letters by A. R. Gurney is a two act play. It was finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The play opened on Broadway in October, 1989 with Colleen Dewhurst and Jason Robards. The play ran for 64 performances. Others who have performed in “Love Letters” are Lynn Redgrave, Stockard Channing, Cliff Robertson, William Hurt, Elizabeth Montgomery, Carol Burnett, Charlton Heston and a host of other Broadway and Hollywood notables. Wilson and Florence saw Charlton Heston and his wife perform the play on the London stage.

THE TIME IS NOW!

The Women of Trinity will be holding their annual White Elephant Sale on Saturday, February 24 & 25. The ‘Early Bird” sale on Friday is from 5:00 to 6:30pm. Early bird admission is $5. On Saturday the sale is from 8am to 1:30 pm with no admission fee. We need YOUR help to make this a successful event. It’s time to…

Bring in your Treasures Sign up to help set up and organize the event Sign up to help the day of the event & clean up Get the word out to the larger community Help with pick up of larger items Put it on your calendar to come and shop! If you need pick up for larger items such as furniture, please call the church office (941-493-0018) or Florence Barker (941-493-1439).

No Clothing, Computers, or Televisions, please.

The Music Ministry of Trinity is beginning a new ministry (TriM) to it’s homebound congregants. Several members of the Chancel Choir will go to the homes of those who request it, sing a few hymns and leave. The hymns sung may include a requested favorite and those being visited might sing along. If you or someone you know would welcome such a visit and / or you might like to join us in this ministry, please contact the church office at 941-493-0018.

Come To The Lord’s Table

February 5th

Contemporary Service

9am

Traditional Service

10:30am

Page 4: GNGJ Offering Exceeds Goal€¦ · Trinity Presbyterian Church—4365 S.R. 776—Venice FL 34293 GNGJ Offering Exceeds Goal I know that pride is one of the seven deadly sins but (Lord

Page 4 Tr in i ty-Tr iL i tes — January 2017

Kid’s Korner Faith — Hebrews 11:1

Solve the message below

The members and friends of Trinity make up the Body of Christ. When each finds a place using their gifts and talents, the church body becomes an effective tool in the Lord’s hands.

There are many ways you can use your gifts and talents at Trinity. Some of these areas are serving as a greeter or usher on Sunday morning; helping at the front desk in the church office, serving on one of our Ministry teams such as Buildings & Grounds, Missions, Membership / Outreach Team, our IT Team, or one of the other areas in the church. Call the church office (493-0018) with any questions to let us know where you may be able to serve.

PUZZLE SOLUTION:

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.

The CROP Hunger walk will be held on February 28th at 2:30pm. Many of our members and friends have participated in years past as walker and/or sponsors.

What is CROP Hunger Walk all about? CROP is a fundraiser for Church World Services that helps to raise the awareness and funds to help end hunger and poverty globally and locally. 25% of all funds raised stays locally and is distributed to local food banks for hunger needs. If you would like more

Step Up, Step Out for CROP Hunger Walk

February 26th — 2:30pm

information talk with Deacon Barry Watson (941.429.5606) or email [email protected]

At this time we are asking those who are planning to be a walker to let know your Tee shirt size by Jan. 31st, so that we can get it ordered. Contact Barry at the above or the church office (941.493.0018). The Walk begins at Blalock Park (401 Pensacola Ave.), downtown Venice at 2:30pm.

Page 5: GNGJ Offering Exceeds Goal€¦ · Trinity Presbyterian Church—4365 S.R. 776—Venice FL 34293 GNGJ Offering Exceeds Goal I know that pride is one of the seven deadly sins but (Lord

Page 5 Tr in i ty-Tr iL i tes — January 2017

Happy New Year ! Praise and Thanks to our Lord God of all Creation, for our loving Savior & Redeemer Jesus Christ, and for the Holy Spirit who is alive and at work in us! Every new day in this New Year, let this be on our mind and in our heart. This is a Great Season of Celebration, but let’s remember those who have lost loved ones, especially this time of year…

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. –Romans 12:15

… may we be a blessing to those in sorrow. There are so many Good Christians at Trinity who are ready to encourage and support the joy of those who are rejoicing, and yes, to also offer loving care to anyone who may be hurting. Our Church Body of Believers and the STEPHEN MINISTRY is Here Especially for You!! Looking for opportunities to Love? Join us. Need sympathy and understanding? We Care. Please let us know. I get daily inspiration from a really great website – VerseoftheDay.com & one of the comments last week quoted an old Swedish proverb:

“Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow”

Share in the Rejoicing and Share in the Burdens. Contact our Stephen Ministry Leaders: Wilson Barker 941-493-1439 Paul Mrha 941-485-8575 Diane Archer 941-662-6135 Barb Middlethon 941-486-4210 Andy Wickerson, Stephen Minister

RE

JO

IC

E

With

Those

Who

RE

JO

IC

E

MO

UR

N

MO

UR

N

With

Those

Who

Romans 12:15

Now that the New Year is here, it is time for me to thank everyone in our Chancel Choir for the time, talent, and effort they put into our Christmas Cantata. This is a very dedicated group of musicians who I am so privileged to direct. We are also fortunate to have Doug Hamstra as our accompanist. He is the cornerstone of our choir and we rely on his exceptional music abilities to keep us on our toes! We were also very happy to have nine very talented musicians including our own Mary Ellen Snell accompanying us and we hope that we will be able to hear more from them in future musical presentations. It would not be a cantata without the glorious story of Christ’s birth for which we give thanks to our narrator, Paul Mrha. Paul’s wife, Joan, did a beautiful job in finding just the right pictures to enhance the story on our screens and Juanita Fauser was able to balance the sound of our voices and instruments with her expertise in working our sound system. Next I would like to thank Pastor Chuck and everyone in our congregation for their loyal support of our music

A Note From The

Choir Director

ministry. Your generous contributions to help us in meeting expenses for future musical presentation is truly appreciated! We have been fortunate this past year to once again have a Trinity Bell Choir. The ladies in this choir have worked very hard to provide special music at many of our services including the Christmas Eve Service where we were able to enjoy their beautiful ringing. Thank you ladies! It is my hope that in the New Year both of these choirs will grow in numbers. Therefore, I am once again extending the invitation to anyone who might be interested in participating in either of these choirs. Why not give it a try by attending one of our rehearsals and see if it is something you would enjoy doing to praise the Lord. We need gentlemen and ladies in both of these choirs. We Need You!! Please contact me for more information at 941-497-1849 or email [email protected]. Susan Brembs Director

Page 6: GNGJ Offering Exceeds Goal€¦ · Trinity Presbyterian Church—4365 S.R. 776—Venice FL 34293 GNGJ Offering Exceeds Goal I know that pride is one of the seven deadly sins but (Lord

We’re On The WEB www.trinitypc.org Ph. 941.493.0018

Trinity Presbyterian Church—4365 S.R. 776—Venice FL 34293

THE MISSION of Trinity Church is to: INTRODUCE people to Jesus Christ, DEEPEN faith and make disciples,

ENCOURAGE community, and PROVIDE opportunities to use our spiritual gifts both locally and throughout the world.

Winter Preaching Series to begin January 22nd.

THE BIG SIX — GREAT ENDS OF THE CHURCH

The proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind.

The shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God.

The maintenance of divine worship.

The preservation of the truth.

The promotion of social righteousness.

The exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world.

The great ends of the church are: