MEET RONNIE & JANE STEVENS OF DANUBE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH

Trinity Tri-Lites Trinity Presbyterian Church—Venice FL 34293

Pastor Chuck Is Off to Budapest!

A very good thing is certainly worth repeating. Pastor Chuck and Kathi had so much fun with the “swap” in MacDuff Scotland last year they are headed this summer to central Europe. The Reverend Ronnie Collier Stevens and wife Jane will be “swapping homes” with the Wiggins’ in late July and the first part of August. Ronnie is pastor of the Danube International Church in Budapest, a thriving evangelical congregation that ministers to the English speaking community in Budapest, the capital and largest city in Hungary. Ronnie and Jane have their roots in Memphis, Tennessee. Ronnie did his undergraduate work at the University of George (go Dawgs!) and went on to earn his graduate divinity degree at Dallas Theological Seminary. One thing different about this year’s “swap” is that it will not be a busman’s holiday. It’s simply a convenient house swap giving these two families engaged in ministry the opportunity relax, recharge, and explore new surroundings.

You will have an opportunity to meet Ronnie and Jane at a Covered Dish Supper Event on Wednesday, August 5th, at 6:00pm The Stevens will show a PPT and lead a conversation on Hungary and their ministry at Danube International Church..

Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.

Leviticus 19:32

‘Gardens of Venice’ Ministry Mark One Year Anniversary

On Sunday, July 5th the Gardens of Venice Ministry Teams mark the first anniversary of the start-up of a weekly worship service at this ‘almost spanking new’ assisted living facility. “Gardens” is located on Jacaranda Boulevard just west of Tamiami Trail. It thrills me as your pastor to see five teams stepping up on a rotating basis to make this Sunday afternoon service a reality. The worship time itself is a usually just half an hour, but equally important is simply “being there” in a ministry of encouragement and presence with the residents.

We have been blessed by a number of Trinity folk—as well as retired clergy and lay preachers—who have brought the Word of God to this winsome group of “elderly folks.” And a special shout out goes to Bob and Colleen Lamberty in spearheading this vital ministry making it a “go” from the very first day. Now, there’s always room for more. So why not pray about how God might use you in this meaningful outreach as we minister to and “show respect for the elderly and revere our God.” (Leviticus 19:32)

Happy Anniversary, Gardens!

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Selah Freedom has been invited back to Trinity. Vanessa Morris, Director of Awareness, for this ministry to the tragic plague of sex trafficking in our area. She will be leading a 10am forum between services on July 12. In addition, Ms. Morris will speak and bring a brief Mission Update to the Trinity church family at both the 9am Contemporary and 10:30am services that Sunday. Ms. Morris is both a victim and a survivor of a dysfunctional family traumatized by sex trafficking. In addition to being an articulate speaker, Vanessa has a dynamic Christian testimony of God’s transforming grace and deliverance in her own life.

Sex Trafficking in Sarasota County

What exactly is Sex Trafficking? Sex trafficking is the exploitation of someone for commercial sex along with the inability to extricate oneself from that situation. Sex traffickers use violence, threats, lies, debt bondage, and other forms of coercion to force women, men and children to engage in commercial sex against their will.

Selah Freedom is headquartered out of Southwest Florida. Did you know that Florida is in the top three states in the nation for human trafficking? In fact, within the area of Tampa, Sarasota, and Bradenton, it is ranked number two in the state. Indeed, the commercial sex trade is a menacing presence in our own South County area of Venice and Englewood. Trinity Church continues to be in the forefront of issues that confront us as a community. We do hope you will be able to join us on July 12th, as we lift up the vital outreach of Selah Freedom to the greater Venice area.

SELAH FREEDOM Speaker At Trinity, Sunday, July 12

th

Sunday, August 2

Holy Communion

The Trinity Church Family will be observing

the Lord’s Supper on Sunday, August 2nd,

at both services. Join us as we come to

the Lord’s Table, Contemporary Worship at

9AM and Traditional at 10:30AM.

Oh, my soul, Give

thanks to the Lord

for He is good!

Psalm 109:1

Grandparent Support Group

Grandparents raising grandchildren. Meets second Tuesday of each month from 10-11:30am. Contact Norma at 941.258.2016.

Nominations Are Now Open...

Buildings & Grounds

has taken on the task of keeping this area neat and tidy. Last but not least, the roofing project for the Sanctuary is in progress as this newsletter goes to print. It will be completed by weeks end. All of these projects were fully funded outside of our Annual Budget. Many thanks to all of you who saw the need and the dollars flowed in.

Thanks be to God!

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The Congregational Nominating Committee (CNC) will be meeting weekly to prepare a slate of candidates for Elder, Deacon, the 2016 Nominating Committee. Members of the Nominating Committee are Frank Blair, Elder Chair; Bob Lamberty, Elder Vice Chair; Grace Tucker, Deacon Rep; Don Stewart, Barb Middelthon, John Joslin, and Florence Barker (At-Large-Members).

Your suggestions are

appreciated and considered. If

you have a suggestion for Elder,

Deacon or the 2016 Nominating

Committee, please let us know.

If you are points north and would

like to submit a name or have

questions- you are encouraged

to email Frank, Elder Chair

(blairflorida@verizon.net) or

Bob, Elder Vice Chair

(ralseven@aol.com).

Nomination forms are

available in the church

office or on Sunday

mornings in the Foyer.

New Plants and Stone

added to courtyard

Memorial

Plaque

Restoration

Project

Sanctuary Roof

Goes Up!

Our grounds team has been busy keeping things moving along these past few weeks. Many thanks to our courtyard crew who added new plantings and stone to the courtyard between the sanctuary and admin wing. This area has developed over the past two years. Our Memorial Committee funded a restoration project of the Memorial Plaques at the Memorial Center. If you haven’t visited this area lately, Take a few minutes to do so. Many thanks to Deacon Skip Russell

If you served on one of our ‘Gardens of Venice’ Ministry Teams this past year we hope you will join us on Wednesday, July 8th for brunch in the Community Life Center at 10:30am.

This is our way of saying, thank you, for your dedication and service over the past 12 months. Please call the church office (941.493.0018) to let us know you will be attending. —Bob & Colleen Lamberty

‘Gardens of Venice’ Ministry Recognition Brunch

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D A N I E L

Faith & Courage

Summer Preaching Series "Now Daniel purposed

in his heart not to defile himself...."

Daniel 1:8 Years ago there was a song that was taught to every Sunday school age child. Called "Dare to Be a Daniel", its chorus went:

Dare to be a Daniel! Dare to stand alone! Dare to have a purpose firm! Dare to make it known!

By the way, that is definitely the first hymn I've ever seen with four (count them!) four exclamation marks in the chorus.

Yet there is something about the life of Daniel deserves all of those exclamations. You get a hint in the very first chapter with these words: Daniel resolved in his heart not to defile himself. (Verse 8) It concerned a desire to stand by his convictions.

Just as we have in past summers, we will be exploring an Old Testament book. But ...really, why Daniel?

Daniel is so much more than the familiar flannel graph cut-out. It is the story of a young man, who finds himself plucked out of his home country as a spoil of war, and then plopped down right smack in the midst of the conquering Babylonian Empire.

There are two major themes highlight this majestic book: First, the faith and courage of Daniel to go against the flow of an antagonistic, hostile power-hungry culture. Second, over and over again is his recurring vision of the sovereignty of God showing that empires

(modern translation: super powers) come and go. And that's because God will have the final word.

I do hope you will join us these weeks of summer as we begin the study of this amazing biblical figure who "dared" not to fold under pressure. There could not be more of a propitious time to hear this than now.

NOTE: The above article by Pastor Chuck

was taken from the weekly E-letter that went out on June 26th.

Summer Preaching Series

DANIEL—FAITH & COURAGE

Below are the preaching themes highlighting the Book of Daniel through the end of July. Pastor Chuck will resume the Summer Preaching Series when he returns from Hungary on August 15th. June 28 Daniel 1 AGAINST THE FLOW—CREATIVELY July 5 Daniel 2 SWEET DREAMS?? July 12 Daniel 3 IT’S COOL IN THE FURNACE July 19 Daniel 4 ANOTHER KING BITES THE DUST July 26 Daniel 5 DANCES WITH LIONS

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DANIEL-IN-DEPTH

and thematic issues found in this fascinating Old Testament book. In addition to handouts, there will be an opportunity for Q & A. So bring your favorite covered dish and be prepared to be encouraged and grounded in this mysterious, and often

abused, portion of the Holy Scripture. The dinner is at 6pm sharp followed by the 45 minute tutorial. Call the church office (941.493.0018) to let us know you will be attending.

Be sure and set aside Thursday evening, July 9th for a special Covered Dish Supper followed by a 45 minute DANIEL-IN-DEPTH

time. For those desiring to "dig deeper" Pastor Chuck will offer some resources and teaching material that gives the historical background

“Blessed be the

name of God

from age to

age, for

wisdom and

power are his.”

Daniel 2:20

Faith and Courage

Covered Dish Supper July 9th — 6:00pm

A Note

of Thanks

Walter and I want to thank each and everyone who made our welcome reception such a lovely affair.

The cake was beautiful and also delicious! We were overwhelmed with the well wishes we received as we greeted each of you.

Thank you for taking the time to make us feel so very welcomed! (I am told that over 150 of you came out to greet us!)

It is a privilege to work with this wonderful choir and also with Doug, our superb accompanist and organist.

The ‘New’ Coffee Fellowship that began last Sunday, (June 29), just before the Traditional Service was a huge hit! This is a wonderful opportunity for those who attend the late service to enjoy a brief time of fellowship over a cup of coffee just before

Coffee Fellowship for Traditional Worship…A Big Hit!

worship. If you missed it last week, be sure to come a few minutes early in the coming weeks. If you’d like to help with clean up afterwards perhaps once every five weeks or so or to provide cookies, let us know in the church office (941.493.0018).

As I have often said, "Any one who loves to sing and praise the Lord in song, is welcome to join our choir."

We’re On The WEB www.trinitypc.org

Trinity Presbyterian Church—

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.

Stephen Ministry, a Christ-centered organization, honors Christ in all that it does. Its training and its resources are distinctively Christian – based in solid, biblical, Christian theology, while drawing from the best principles and skills from psychology, leadership, and management. It provides sound, practical, and life-changing resources for Christian individuals and congregations.

Stephen Ministry is passionately committed to its mission, that is, to bring every day care to broken people who need Christ’s healing love and compassion. It demonstrates care by

Core Values of Stephen Ministry

providing a safe, positive, kind, and enjoyable environment where people can feel respected and are treated fairly.

Certainly, one end product of Stephen Ministry is changed lives. Stephen Ministers provide support that enables people to cooperate with the Holy Spirit who plants and deepens faith in Christ, heals brokenness, and empowers people to reach outside of themselves.

Competence is another core value of Stephen Ministry, which requires character and capacity from its trainees. Our Stephen Ministers are humble, hard-working, and driven to serve others. Above all, they are Christ-centered, have a deep faith, and a desire to serve others.

I conclude with the following quote; “We must not only give what we have; we must also give what we are.”

We have many fine Stephen Ministers ready to serve. If you know of someone who may benefit from a Stephen Minister, please contact one of our Stephen Leaders: they are Wilson Barker (941.493.1439), Paul Mrha (941.485.8575), Barb Middelthon (941.486.4210) or Diane Archer (941.662.5135). -Paul Mrha

FREE SAFELINK

CELL PHONE

SafeLink Wireless has a free cell phone and minutes for YOU! Because Florida is a "hurricane" state, a SafeLink phone helps ensure access to health and emergency services. It will also enable you to keep in touch with family members. New customers receive their prepaid phones in the mail automatically loaded with 500

minutes each month for the first four months, then 250 minutes every month thereafter. Registration is required as space is limited to 150. Contact the church office (493-0018) to sign up. Must be present and bring a photo ID to apply for your FREE phone on Sunday, July 26 between the hours of 8:30-12Noon.