Advent is defined by a season of four Sunday’s prior to Christmas where many Christians will participate in a special time of prayer and fasting with anticipation of the celebration of Christ’s birth. The Messiah has come! As Christians, we look back to God’s faithfulness while also looking forward to a second advent when Jesus will return not only as Savior but as Reigning King. Our Advent Season will culminate at our Christmas Eve services where we will light the Christ candle and share in the Light that has come into the world.

 
December is the last month of our year and we will be experiencing the days of 2026 very soon, should the LORD tarry. I hope you will take advantage of the many opportunities to prepare your hearts for the celebration of Christ’s birth. I pray we will stand in the truths of God’s amazing gift of love. God did not send to us more religiosity at Christmas. God sends to us the potential of relationship instead. It is possible to get so caught up in the trimmings of Christmas that we forget to truly make the most of God’s gift.

 
The songs of Christmas are like no other season of the year. We sing and listen to joyful music. We can see the drama of Christmas taking place through the songs we sing. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. O, come let us adore Him, Christ the LORD. What a blessing to be the recipients of such a great love from God. But more than adoration, may we come to reception. The Scriptures tell us that the Word, Jesus, “He came unto His own but His own did not receive Him. Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” What a joy to be counted among the children of God.

 
Be sure to mark your calendars for Night in Bethlehem, December 5th & 6th, Prime Time Singers and Ringers “Merry Christmas to You,” and “Christ Has Come” by Trinity’s Christmas Choir and Community Orchestra. We hope to see you often.

 
Our Midweek Bible Study will cover our Christmas season with a special time of Christmas caroling on Wednesday, December 17. We will also be taking up our Christmas offering for International missions this month. We will have guest missionary preachers, Austin Roden and John Hinds, on December 7th and 14th receptively. Also, be sure to mark your calendars for our Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Services at 5:00pm and 6:30pm.
I hope you find joy this Christmas as you gather around family, friends and especially our Savior for whom we celebrate.

 
Merry Christmas.

 

 

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:3-6

 
God has been so faithful and good to us. Even in the midst of struggles and grief, we sense God’s presence and direction forward. Let me first of all thank you, Trinity Baptist Church, on behalf of the Pastor and our Ministerial staff, for the most generous appreciation through words and cards during Pastor Appreciation month in October. It is such a blessing to travel alongside you as we serve the LORD together.

 
I am most grateful for God’s salvation through Christ our Savior. This month, which holds the day we call Thanksgiving, gives us many opportunities to stop and consider the many things for which we are thankful. I count as blessings from God my family, with Melinda being the starting point. God has been so gracious to provide such a rich spiritual heritage for which I am a recipient, and prayerfully being a contributor. I hope and pray that as the days of November pass that we will have exponentially more things to list than the number of days in the month.

 
I am also thankful for the way in which Trinity Baptist has made ourselves available for assisting others through our community recovery and rebuild efforts. This truly is a long haul and we can only see one week at a time. We are blessed to be a part of a larger Baptist family who have poured in from other cities and states. We continue to consider ways to support those in need.

 
God is on the move redeeming all that takes place. There is a renewed emphasis on spiritual conversations that I pray will lead to gospel presentations. We are hearing that young men are making the turn of leading others back to the church. It is encouraging to know that the Body of Christ is at work leading others to relationship in Christ and service to Christ.

 
During the month of November, we will be recognizing the Persecuted Church around the world. You will notice the flags of many countries where there is extreme persecution for being a Christian. Two of the greatest persecutions are upon gathering in Jesus’ name and in the distribution of Bibles. May we remember those of our brothers and sisters in Christ as they remain faithful as we do our part to be aware of their struggles and pray for their witness.

 
A special thanks to Texans on Mission for their continual work among us and for STCHM for their counseling services in September and October. We have much to do and will continue to find ways to share the love of Christ as we minister and care for those in our community. Thank you for your faithfulness.

 
In Christ,

 

 

There is excitement in the air with the cooler weather, but there is also an excitement around us as we sense and experience God’s movement among us. God is declaring His praise and making Himself known through everything that we see taking place. “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!” Tragedy does not stop God from redeeming the evil and ugly in our world, nor can we claim any credit for the good that is taking place. Only God! The brokenness in our world screams we need help. Many are finding the only help that sustains is the help that comes from God. The strength that keeps us moving forward is the strength that God places within us that He also empowers. The Church has always had a voice. Many need to find it again.

 
Circumstances around us do not determine our actions. Our heart’s obedience to the LORD’s direction determines our call and actions. We don’t declare truth because it is popular, we declare truth because it is just that, truth. God is at work in His world. We ought to be at work alongside Him. I look forward to seeing you in the trenches.

 

It has been good to see some of the usual ministry events taking place this month, inviting our community into our space. Trinity’s Arts and Craft Show, First Blessing, High School Glo Night, have all seen both members and guests coming together. None of these ministry events happen without the prayer and planning to bring them about. It is wonderful to see so many Trinity members engaged in kingdom tasks. Thank you, Trinity, for all you do.

 
We still have groups coming to support our community through the rebuild efforts of Texans on Mission. This is not a quick call, but a continued call, that extends for the long haul of supporting rebuilding of homes as well as the rebuilding of emotional care. STCHM will be on campus again this month on October 13-15. There will be a general group session addressing Trauma on Monday, October 13 and another general group session addressing Grief on Tuesday, October 14, both beginning at 6:30pm. There are also individual sessions available on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00am to noon and 1:00 to 3:00pm. All of this is at no cost to the individual and open to anyone in our area. Please help us get the word out. There are many who will benefit from this ministry opportunity.

 

We celebrated a beautiful time setting aside seven new deacons for servant leadership at Trinity. We anticipate fruitful ministry as Chuck Coulter, Jordan Marcum. Tabor McMillan, Philip Meadow, Vern Stahl, Jay Stimson, and James Tripp join our existing deacons in helping to serve Trinity in great ways.

 

It is not too late to join us in reading through the Bible for 2025. God is faithful to bring us to a place of knowing Him. If you haven’t been able to read along with us until now, don’t miss finishing strong with us. Pick up a reading plan and let’s travel to the end of 2025 together.

 

In Christ,

 

 

 

This verse has echoed in my mind every day since we discussed it and our community has begun rebuilding from our recent flooding and crisis. I must admit that I am a little taken back at how often I try to do things in my own strength apart from the LORD. The only thing that really matters is what the LORD is doing through me. I am amazed that there are so many of you who are making yourselves available in several ways to do the same. Thank you, Trinity, for all you are doing in the name of the LORD.

 
I want to pass along a word from those who have been staying with us through Texans on Mission. I have heard nothing but huge praise for how you are encouraging them and receiving them while they are here with us. I have heard numerous times how precious and giving our faith family is at Trinity. I am so glad that others are seeing what God has impressed upon me while serving as your pastor.

 
We continue to make plans each week for reaching out into our community to meet needs. There will be more who come to do physical labor in the days ahead. Many of you have joined these groups and even made up this group in the days past. More are on their way. The church has been blessed to bless many through financial contributions. Praise God we have been blessed to be the hands and feet of Jesus not only with our hard sweat, but also with our offering of resources.

 
New opportunities are on the way. Trinity has been asked to take on some key support positions to allow Texans on Mission to remain with and serve in our community. If you are interested in helping out, please call the church office to see how you may do so.

 
I stand amazed at how God has used HIS building HE impressed upon us to build. So many have been blessed to come through our doors and receive a warm welcome. We know these opportunities are scheduled well into 2026. We have met a lot of people who we did not know their name before, just as we thought we would. God is good.

 
Our fall schedule is underway. Students are back in school, Children’s Day Out is underway, Church ministries are back in place, and we are preparing for all we know to prepare for with the understanding that some things may be added. It takes faithful church members to carry out the blessings and responsibilities of the Body of Christ. Thank you again, Trinity Baptist Church.

 
God is definitely making Himself known and redeeming what has taken place. We are still remembering and praying for those families who were with us over the July 4 weekend. Join us as we continue to walk alongside those God is placing among us to bless.

 

In Christ,

 

 

“God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.” I was reminded of this great truth when we declared it at our last meeting in the Dominican Republic this year. Trinity has been blessed to work alongside Iglesia Bautista Quisquiana now for seventeen years. This year, we partnered through STCHM with FBC Kenedy and FBC Runge. Both the church and STCHM have been responsible for incredible ministry service and harvest in the Dominican Republic. This year was no different. Thank you, Trinity, for praying for our usefulness as we served others in Christ’s name. We were able to witness young parents who were a part of mission teams years ago as children now bringing their children on this mission trip. God is certainly good!

 
I could not help but reflect over the many years we have partnered with STCHM, IBQ and other churches for Kingdom impact. Several times I found myself on what we call the top or 4th floor of the ministry building where we stayed. This floor was finished and stands in memory of two very dear friends who are no longer with us but now reside in heaven. Former Pastor of TBC, John Petty, introduced this trip to Trinity and Trey Vickery, a young man from FBC Kenedy, both left this world before we were ready to say goodbye. This top floor has been used now for many years to host our daily worship gatherings and late night reflections. I never walk the steps up to the top without both remembering, and being thankful for, both of these incredible lives. Many blessings and life transformations have been the result of time spent there. There is a plaque memorializing both this place and these godly men. We will not forget.

 
So much has taken place because of the obedience of previous groups. As a result of their sacrifice and obedience we continue to see God’s work in, around, and through us. I am reminded from Scripture, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. For the joy that was set before Him, he endured the cross, despising the shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-3

 
Summer is in full swing and we have seen God’s hand through VBS and all the preparations for Mini Kids Camp, Youth Camp, and Children’s Camp. We have such a powerful potential ahead of us as we yield ourselves to God’s work around us. Our prayer is that we will see this summer produce great advances in God’s Kingdom. I pray we will strive to stay in step with our journey through the summer of preparing to be spiritually fit. God has great things in store for us and all who await the return of Christ. Let’s keep moving forward, swimming upstream, together.

 
In Christ,

 

 

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! God has blessed the Kerrville area with a group of people who began to meet in 1950 and have continued to do so for seventy-five years. That group of people call themselves Trinity Baptist Church. There are still a few individuals who were here seventy-five years ago, but the rest of us have come alongside and we still have others joining our journey each month. God is good!

 
We announced during our seventy-fifth anniversary on March 23rd that we would be receiving an anniversary gift beginning the next Sunday and collect it through the Sunday’s in May. I am so excited to tell you that the anniversary gift, given by our church to our church to help reduce the debt of our building loan, totaled $337,774. Thank you, TBC, for your faithful support and generosity to our assignments and journeys together. God is good!

 
School is out and summer is here. Families will be going on vacations. Some students have taken on summer jobs. Vacation Bible School is just around the corner. Mission trips and summer camps are on the calendar and people are preparing for each. Summer always brings with it a great opportunity for godly introductions and renewals. We are praying that God will call out young men and women to serve Him in great ways. For that matter, we are praying for God to call out many, whether young or old, to serve Him in great ways.

 
I have been reading lately about the silent revival. It seems there is a movement going on where we are noticing young men taking seriously a call back to religion. These are the words of researchers. My prayer is that we will not just see a resurgence of young men coming back into religion but into relationship. Religion without relationship leads nowhere. I think most pastors desire to make sure that the churches are prepared for what is to come.

 
As you plan your summer calendars, be sure to check out the ministry and fellowship opportunities afforded through Trinity’s summer schedule. There is something for everyone. We are in full swing of “summer casual” on Sundays. You can always dress as you would like, but we do take a time, when it is so warm, to dress a little more casual. Also, at Midweek on Wednesday nights, we will be having our “Brown Bag” dinners at 5:00 p.m. in the Cafe area and Bible Study and prayer time in the Worship Center at 6:00 p.m.

 
Summer consideration? There are several ways to support the effort of our summer time together. You can see that we are looking for additional folks to be greeters at doors as well as cart drivers on Sunday mornings. There are other needs as well. If you are looking for a way to plug in, do not hesitate to call the church office and let us start a conversation to find your place of service in the church. We could not do what we do without all of us doing our part. That is the blessing of being a body together. We all are needed and have a part to give.

 
I am anticipating a great summer of ministry at Trinity and look forward to working, walking, and worshipping together. God is good!

 
In Christ,

 

 

 
We are reminded, especially at Easter time, that Jesus came to complete that for which He was sent. Much of the Old Testament tells us of God’s provision and care for His people. As we look back through the Scriptures, we see how it tells of Jesus’ coming and His provision for us. When we declare Jesus as our LORD we line up with God’s purpose for our very existence. The world has tried since creation to fill what can only be occupied by Christ. We fail ourselves and those around us when we attempt to find another way other than God’s way.

 
I am reminded of Jesus’ words to His disciples in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.” Many have tried to tear apart the exclusivity of Christianity making their own claim that there must be another way. Jesus clearly says differently, but the promise of the previous verse is that God has made the way for us to get to Him. Yes, no one comes to the Father except through Jesus, but praise God, the way has been provided by God.

 
In an article appearing in the New York Times this month, Americans Haven’t Found a Satisfying Alternative to Religion, the author describes the benefits of religion. It is described as the “three B’s.” Belief, belonging and behaviors seem to provide stability which is necessary to be happier, healthier, and more fulfilled. I would add, religious people may experience these but they are not understood in religion but in relationship. It is in a faith relationship with Jesus that we move behind happiness, health, and fulfillment to joy, empowerment and purpose.

 
I am grateful that our message at Trinity is not about picking up some added health benefit or daily habits, but to dig deeper into a relationship with Jesus who makes the difference in our lives. That is the story of Resurrection. That is the story of transformation. 

 

Thanks to all who helped us celebrate the Resurrection of our LORD so well on Resurrection Sunday. It has been an eventful month as we prepared and shared the Victor as a church to our community. It is encouraging to see people moving toward steps of obedience through baptism and stewardship. We anticipate from week to week the faithful investment of kingdom ministry through our Faith Family.

 
From the cross Jesus declared, “Tetelestai.” It is finished. But Jesus was not done. Jesus is still at work in us, for us, and through us. Jesus will make a difference not only in our lives but in the lives of all around us, wherever we are and wherever we are going. This is not a transaction of religion, but a transformation of relationship. See you on the journey.

 

 

 

Thank you, Trinity Baptist Church. You sure know how to throw a celebration. Dennis Swanberg, the Minister of Encouragement, blessed us with a fun-filled evening and had everyone laughing. I greatly appreciate the Swan’s message for our church to remain faithful to God’s generous calling. We are truly blessed to bless.

 
There are so many people who gave great sacrifice and time to help us celebrate in such a grand way. We owe thanks to Kaleb Kurz and his cook team (many of his family members); Marci Newby and her kitchen staff; Sue Owens and her decorations team (Trish Wilson, Paula Locke, Sharon Grimes, Donna Hinton); Don Nelson, Bobby Ayala and our set up team; Brian Bowers and our Deacon servers (along with others who helped, Sharron Hawk); Wes Henson and our student ministry for helping with drinks; our Family ministry team of JD Templeton and Kellee Parish for assisting in the inconvenience of our Bible Study classes missing tables or having more than usual; and Clint Brown who went above and beyond. We did not miss worshiping, as we always do, thanks to Charlie Barganier. I am certain I am missing some who helped in great ways. Please know we are very thankful. Happy 75th Anniversary Trinity Baptist Church. May God be as gracious to us for the next 75 years and beyond, should Jesus tarry.

 
We have begun receiving our anniversary gift and will add to it anything given between now and May 25th. This is not a shifting of our tithes and offerings but a combined generous, willing and sacrificial gift. It was great to see such an outpouring of our church on our first Sunday of bringing in this gift. To God be the glory!

 
Trinity selected seven new deacons: Chuck Coulter, Jordan Marcum, Tabor McMillan, Philip Meadow, Vern Stahl, Jay Stimson and James Tripp. Thanks again to our New Deacon Selection Task Force and their godly leadership over the last year and a half to bring us to this point. Thank you, David Sprouse, Diane Donaldson, Pennie Olivo, Dan Petty and Vern Stahl.

 
We now set our focus on Resurrection Sunday and the gift to our community we call “The Victor”. I hope you will allow the Holy Spirit to use you in inviting our community to come and experience the Resurrection story. We will be observing the LORD’s Supper at Midweek on Wednesday of Holy Week. No greater event has ever or will ever occur in history than the reality of God’s love through Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. I look forward to our continued transformation as we journey together.

 
In Christ,

 

 

God is at work in Trinity Baptist Church. There are good things going on and God is responsible for all of them. Several things will be added to our history this month. I hope you have marked March 23 as a special day on your calendars. On that day we will vote as a church on the approval of seven church members who have been nominated and recommended by our Deacon Selection Task Force. I hope you will take the time to read about those whom you may not know. There will be an information sheet with the names of each nominated, with a brief bio and picture, in our announcement guide and in the office.

 
I want to express thanks to our New Deacon Selection Task Force as they have been working for over a year to bring us to this place. They have done an outstanding job with the assignment given to them by our church. Thanks goes to David Sprouse for serving as chair of this task force and also to Diane Donaldson, Pennie Olivo, Dan Petty and Vern Stahl for their faithful research and commitment to the LORD and Trinity Baptist Church. Church members nominated are: Chuck Coulter (9:45), Jordan Marcum (9:45), Tabor McMillan (9:45), Philip Meadow (11:00), Vern Stahl (9:45), Jay Stimson (8:30), and James Tripp (9:45). The service they attend is listed in parenthesis.

 
Also, on March 23, we will be celebrating Trinity’s 75th Anniversary. We will have a special time on Sunday afternoon with a Banquet and special time with the “Minister of Encouragement,” Dennis Swanberg. The doors will open to the Family Life Center at 4:15 with Dinner beginning at 4:30 and our celebration in the Worship Center at 6:00 pm. Tickets are free but necessary to be certain we have the right amount of food. This will be a great time for Trinity to sit together and both celebrate and worship through God’s faithfulness and continued assignment together.

 
We will also use our anniversary to consider a corporate anniversary gift to Trinity Baptist Church. You should have already received a letter from me regarding our plans. God blessed us with timing and faithful sacrifice during COVID to give us space for future ministry. That space is being used in a great way to encourage as well as grow new disciples at Trinity. We will announce more of our intentions on March 23 and begin to receive our financial blessings from March 30 through May 25. To God be the glory, we are truly Blessed to Bless.

 
We will also recognize Wes Henson for his 6th anniversary as our Student Minister this month. We are grateful for Wes and Mica, Anna and Charis and all they bring to our staff and church. Thank you, Wes, for six years of anointed leadership and ministry. 

 
These are exciting days at Trinity Baptist Church and I am so fortunate and blessed to be present, as you are, for God’s opportunities in our Faith Family, community and world.

 
In Christ,