LIFE@TRINITY

 
 
Life at Trinity is given order through three words: Worship, Connect, and Serve. God has gifted each of us differently and equipped us with different passions and preferences. With the choices at Trinity we ask that you seek to Worship with the church, Connect with a small group, and Serve in a way God has gifted you once a week. To help make that simpler we place the things we do under the word that best fits that group or activity. Start by choosing one thing from each area.
 
 

Texas Chainsaw Ministry

by Rick Boles
 
The Texas Chainsaw Ministry is a Disaster Relief Ministry that ministers to those in need following hurricanes, tornadoes, and Ice Storms. Our Ministry partners with the Texas Baptist Men Disaster Relief. Our Ministry provides training on a regular basis so those who volunteer can be prepared to take trees off houses, other structures and can also remove trees and debris that block access to homes during disasters. Our Ministry is fully operated by volunteers who have a calling to meet those needs but, more importantly, use those disasters as opportunities to share Jesus Christ with those who may not have a relationship with the Lord.
 
God has been faithful to provide the equipment we have, from chainsaws, to a man lift, as well as a Skid Steer. Our equipment trailer has not only saws but ropes, pulleys, and other rigging equipment to be able to remove trees and limbs off structures so that the structures aren’t damaged any further.
 
Over the last year and into the first part of this year our Ministry has served in these ways:
 
A team worked in the Columbus Texas area, removing debris from a house that burned down.
 
We worked an Ice Storm in South Austin for seven days with six members of our team. In disasters such as this, our team sleeps in church Sunday School rooms and our meals are provided by a Disaster Relief Food Service team.
 
Currently, four of our team members are working at Alto Frio Baptist Encampment cutting trees to assist in renovation projects the camp has planned. They also remove limbs that could affect current buildings as well as clean up any damage caused by wind storms.
 
We also do some local work for people who are unable. This includes people with severe health issues, those who are widows, those who do not have insurance, and poor people who can’t afford to deal with tree problems. It is important that we not get too involved in too many local trimming projects because our main purpose is Disaster Relief.
 
We appreciate the support provided by our church family and staff.
 
 
 
 
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING FOR THE
TEXAS BAPTIST MEN DISASTER RELIEF MINISTRY?
 
TRAINING AVAILABLE
  • Yellow Cap Basic Training (Ages 16 & Up) This training is a prerequisite for all other trainingsI
  • Chainsaw basic training
  • Specialty Training – Classes & Details Online
 
Questions? Call Rick Boles (830) 739-8957
 

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Mission News: The Plaum Family

by Hollis Uecker
 
Martin and Jovita Pflaum and their two children are missionaries at the Amano Christian School in Zambia. They have been there a little over a year. Martin is the brother of Andrea Anderson, who is also a missionary at the Amano School with her husband, Aaron, and their family.
 
Martin has begun an aviation ministry in Zambia called Imbila Nsuma Wings (which means “good news” or “gospel” in the local language.) Aviation missions can make a life-or-death difference in Zambia. The roads are rugged and dangerous. Instead of spending days on a road trip, they can airlift people or supplies in a matter of hours. This speed is essential, especially in emergency situations. Recently, Martin flew someone suffering from a painful issue to a mission hospital to get professional help and he is now on the road to recovery.
 
Along with his aviation ministry, Martin and Jovita have the opportunity to interact daily with the boys in the dorm where their apartment is located. They lead youth nights with the 8th-12th graders at Amano and have found the one-on-one discipleship to be the most meaningful. They also invite the girls over for dessert and games to get to know them better. A highlight for Martin is getting to preach regularly, with an interpreter, at a church in the local community. It’s a small church with only about 30-40 members, but those who attend are eager listeners. Both Martin and Jovita love sports. He has been helping with a few PE lessons each week and is involved in coaching the boys’ soccer team. Jovita runs with some of the primary students in their weekly cross country run and joins in on pickup volleyball and basketball games.
 
Their biggest challenges are the change in culture and having a different way of life. Jovita misses the Southern hospitality and hearing the word y’all used daily. Another challenge is with the aviation ministry. The airplane they fly was built in the 1960s needs maintenance work every now and then. The engine needs to be replaced or overhauled. Even with these challenges, they know they are where God wants them and appreciates our prayers and support throughout the year.
 
The biggest news from the Pflaums is that in June of this year they will be welcoming 2 new members to their family. They are expecting TWINS!
 

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Youth Ministry – March 2023

by Jordan Marcum
 
Clink… Clink… Clink… You can hear the echoing sound of hammers shaping and molding, reverberating off of the hallowed walls.  Stifling heat climbs upward and washes over you as you descend the rustic staircase. You reach the precipice, look right and know that this is where faith, lives, and will are being shaped and tested for impurities.  As the doors open and the smiling faces emerge you hear, “Welcome to The Refinery!”
 
If you haven’t heard the new exciting name to our youth space, now you have.  Why have we given it the moniker of The Refinery?  I am so glad you asked.  The leaders in TSM believe that we work with parents to help our students grow in relationship with Christ.  We as leaders will never have as much time with students as a parent does, but we will take the little time we do have with students and help refine them in the image of God.  
 
Continuing that imagery, our new large meeting space is known as The Forge.  Psalm 127 talks about how children are like arrows in the hands of a warrior.  If you want to turn metal into a weapon, first you must apply purifying, strength testing fire. Once it is moldable and ready for a new life, it is forged into a new Godly creation.  We know students will go out from TSM and face trials and uncertainty daily but we want them to be equipped and formed to fly straight and true, and cut to the marrow with a heart for God.
 
 

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Pilgrims of Faith

by Truman Martin
 
Perhaps the best place to start is with the name we have chosen for the class.  PILGRIM is a person who journeys to a sacred place for religious reasons.  In Hebrews 11:1 we are told FAITH is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.  Our faith is built on nothing less than Jesus’ love and righteousness.  Righteousness is to be morally right with God. 
 

Our primary goal is to understand Scripture and apply the truth of God’s word to our daily lives. So, we study God’s word and seek to be obedient to it.  In addition to studying the word of God, we attempt to know each other personally.  We do this through social activities which include three parties held annually at the church or a class member’s home.  Men have breakfast once a month for fellowship -breaking bread together.  Ladies visit a local nursing home monthly where they sing and visit with the men and women residing there.  After they finish, they have lunch together. 

To assist us in having a better understanding of God’s word, we use Masterwork literature which changes quarterly and includes lessons written by Biblical scholars.  These scholars write about various principles that provide guidance on how to be obedient to God’s commandments and principles of living a Godly life. 

Our class consists of couples and   individuals ages 55 and above and is held each Sunday at 9:45 AM in Room 121. YOU are invited to join us as we attempt to understand better how to apply the principles of obedience to our daily lives.
 

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For the Journey – March 2023

March is upon us and it is going to be a great month. Spring is in the air and has been replaced with anticipation in the air. It looks extremely good that this month we will actually be moving the offices back together. God has been gracious to our ministerial staff in this time of transition. It will be great to once again sit in the same office area. Praise the LORD! Thank you to Clint Brown and our Building Task Force Team of Chairman Wayne Uecker, Kay Bell, Wayne Comer, Lyda Green, Kaleb Kurz, and Paula Locke. 
 
It was a wonderful report from our Worship Minister Search Committee that on the weekend of March 17-19, a candidate will be coming in view of a call to be our next Worship Minister. More details will be coming as the date gets closer. Thank you to Chairman Dan Petty and members Mike Cook, Lanie Ebelt, Donna Hinton, Lew King, Melissa Morris, and Wiley Wilkerson. We are grateful for God’s providence and timing. A huge thank you goes to Carrie Overby, Wade Sparkman, and Wiley Wilkerson for planning our worship services for our three worship times. We are blessed to have talented and willing members.  
 
On March 26th, following the 11:00 Worship Service, we will be setting our marker in place in our New Gathering and Educational Space. Once again, we are thrilled at the faithfulness of God’s people and their continued stewardship. That day will also mark the final day of our agreed upon pledges. Though our three years of pledges will be completed, I am thankful that our faithfulness will carry on. You are an amazing church in which God has blessed in order that we might be a blessing.  
 
The Victor will be here before we know it. I hope you are thinking about who to invite. It is an honor to offer the gift of The Victor to our community at Easter each year. Many have taken on roles that are beyond regular participation in order to bring this year’s Victor to our community. It will not be long until our Worship Center will be packed with Trinity members dressed in biblical costumes and sharing the story of Jesus and His salvation.  
 
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 
 
 

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Kerrville West Home Group

by Drew & Julia Whitehead
 
It has been called a few names.  Small group. Home group. Community group.  All of these describe what we strive to achieve when meeting on Tuesday evenings, coming together in the midst of a messy, busy week.  These evenings have turned into a time of respite and spiritual rejuvenation for many of us.
 
Families join to eat, pray, and let the kids play. Learning more about one another and God’s will for our lives, both individually and collectively. It has been almost 6 years of learning what this looks like for us. In these six years, friendships have been strengthened and a “missional community” has grown out of our love for what Tuesday nights have meant to us and our families.  Emphasis on “grown”. We have gathered disciples along the way, each new person and/or family bringing something unique and necessary to the group. 
 
While we celebrate the growth that has taken place, we have outgrown any home that we have ever met in.  After a few months of very cozy meetings squished together on couches, chairs brought in from every other room in the house – we have multiplied! This multiplication didn’t always feel easy or come without tears. Tears born from the unease of change and the joy of knowing that Christ is growing his Kingdom.  So, here we are, one large group that has now grown into two! Joyfully celebrating that these Tuesday evenings, we have all come to love so dearly, are now happening in two locations each week. This will provide us with more opportunities to gather and to bring in more disciples along the way.  Both groups currently meet on Tuesdays, three times a month. We’re in two separate homes now, but with the same mission in mind: to grow a missional community here in our church and city. Contact JD if you’d like to learn more or join us on this mission.
 

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Children’s Ministry News – March 2023

 
Concerned about the quality of your kids screen time? Right Now Media is a great way to help with quality screen time. We also have an added ministry program (Praise Kids) to help them with some time away from the screen.
Trinity parents and teachers, did you know that Right Now Media has thousands of teaching and training resources on topics like marriage, parenting, devotionals, as well as many kids resources, videos and movies? Trinity has a subscription that your family can use for FREE. Scan the QR code or text the information to 41411.
Praise Kids, and some of our teachers, will be working on “Arise My Love” for our Easter Service. All three services will have the Praise Kids leading with this special song. We will be signing this message which is from the group Newsong. We would love for our 1st-5th graders to come practice with us as we prepare on three Sundays, March 5, 19 & 26, from 5:00 to 6:00pm in Room 104 or the Worship Center. It’s not too late to join us!
 
 

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Children’s Ministry – February 2023

 
2023 has begun and what a blessing it is to be a part of Trinity during these days of “new.” Here are a few new things in our Children’s Ministry.
 
We will be starting two new classes in the coming weeks. 4th grade will have their own class at 11am and will meet in Room 157. Pre K/Kinder will become two classes at 11:00am with Pre-K remaining in their room and Kinder moving into Room 159. This class has really grown in the past few weeks and we are so excited to have to create a new class.
 
Our Wednesday night ministry programming has a new name as we are tweaking our ministry programming. Wednesday nights will become “Disciple Kids” and continue in our discipleship, missions and service programming for our 2nd-5th graders. Disciple Kids 2 includes children Pre K through 1st grade with 3 yr olds – babies in childcare.
 
Sunday nights new name is “Praise Kids” as we Praise, Connect & Worship. 1st– 5th graders will be meeting the following 5 weeks: Feb 19 & 26 and March 5, 19 & 26 to prepare for Easter Worship.  Praise Kids will be learning “Arise My Love” in Sign Language to share in all 3 services on Easter Sunday.
 
Thank you for your patience with the “new” secure space process. We look forward to when all of the construction is completed and we are able to work out all the “kinks” in our system. I am so thankful for such an amazing team of Shepherds and Teachers who serve in our Children’s Ministry. They have done a wonderful job of getting ready for all the “new” and making sure kids are in a safe location, as well as    being taught God’s word. It is a blessing to serve alongside these terrific people called Trinity.
 

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Agape Fellowship Class

by Susan Lesser
 
The Agape Fellowship Class is a coed Bible study class, with an age range from early 60’s to mid-90’s. We’re small in number but rich in knowledge of the Bible and living and growing in Jesus Christ. We’re looking for a teacher… is that you? We’ve been studying the Bible, word by word, but are open to suggestions. We meet at 9:45 in Room 215 in our wonderful new building. Our classroom has the water fountains attached!
 
Currently, we’re rotating teaching   duties among us. It brings a variety of talents and subjects to the class. Please consider visiting our class; we’d love to see you Sunday morning!

 

 

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Genesis 1 – February 2023

by Don & Janice Francis

Before Covid gripped our country, Trinity had an active group called Genesis 1 Fellowship. It was open to all ages and consisted of hiking in Texas state parks, fellowship and sometimes playing games. When the group was large enough, they would split into groups according to hiking ability so that there would be some taking the challenging trail, some taking the moderate trail and perhaps some choosing to stay behind and play games in the picnic area.
 
Last fall Genesis 1 regrouped. On October 10 some of us traveled by church bus to Garner State Park.  We did a 3-mile hike on an easy trail. On the way back to Kerrville we ate at a Mexican restaurant in Leakey. It was a fun day of fellowship, exercise, beautiful scenery and good food.
 
In November, we loaded up the church bus for a trip to Lost Maples State Park. We were a few days late for the beautiful fall leaves, but there was still much beauty in God’s creation. This 3-mile hike was an easy to moderate trail. We stopped for lunch in Medina at the Apple Store before traveling back to Kerrville. It was another great day of fellowship.
 
We would like to plan 6 or 8 hiking trips in 2023. We’re hoping that our group will be large enough that we can split into 2 groups as before. We are working on plans for a February hike, a wild flower drive/hike in March or April and one more before the weather gets too hot.
 
Our group is open to anyone who likes to hike or just enjoy the outdoors and Christian fellowship.  Before making a hiking trip, please be sure that you are able to walk hills and rocky trails. You may want to bring a walking stick and a daypack with water and snacks. When convenient, we will stop at a restaurant for a late lunch. Occasionally, we may bring our own brown bag picnic. If you are not able to hike, you can bring dominoes or card games to play, enjoy fellowship with others or just enjoy the great outdoors.
 

 TrinityLife – February 2023

 


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Grief Share – February 2023

by Doug Lusk
 
The next cycle of GriefShare, primarily facilitated by Pattie Davis and Jane King, will begin Monday January 23, and consists of 13 weekly sessions ending April 17. This program is a support group to help and encourage persons after the death of a spouse, child, family member or friend.
 
These sessions aim to help each participant, collectively and individually, learn to deal with grief and loss; a place where they may move forward in their journey from mourning to joy.
 
Guided by the facilitators, of whom I am one (glad to have learned of the program and very glad to have enrolled), each meeting features a video seminar, a group discussion, and the use of a personal workbook.
 
The videos feature comments and suggestions by experts who help deal with loss, personal stories of people who are grieving, and         enactments by some about how they have confronted their own situation.
 
The group discussions, which are completely confidential, offer participants the opportunity to share something they noted, to ask questions, or to learn how something shown in the video or expressed by others might apply to one’s own life. It can prove to be a vital source in finding the help and comfort they seek.
 
The workbook has questions, suggestions, and Bible verses that can help an individual in learning how to cope with their loss. For instance, an item from the workbook might cause them to approach their loss in creative and helpful ways, complementing other important activities. Journaling or simply taking notes can help them work through a particular problem. The referenced scriptures are vital.
 
Many people find, as I did, that grief is a surprisingly complex subject and that the needs and solutions may be quite different from those of fellow participants. But somewhere in the 13 sessions, it seems often to happen that by hearing what others share about their stories, a listener might find an approach that they can use.
 
A group of folks on a similar journey, giving and receiving ideas and support.  That’s what GriefShare is.
 

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For the Journey – February 2023

It is wonderful to see Trinity entering in new doors and enjoying fellowship with one another over orange juice and donuts again. Our new ministry space is allowing us to gather and visit just as we anticipated. Our new classrooms are growing in numbers each week. We are seeing the faithful stewardship of our Faith Family bearing fruit. Thank you, Trinity, for your steadfast commitment.
 
We are looking forward to having full access of our building soon, with offices back in place and our punch-list completed. I appreciate our ministerial and church staff for their willingness to stay engaged even though we have not occupied the same space together for a long time. Thank you, Building Committee Task Force and Clint Brown, for all you are doing to bring our project to a completion.
 
February brings our offering for Short Term Missions. Trinity has a heartbeat for missional living and both going and sending members to serve. There are already over thirty short term missionaries going with Trinity this year around the world to serve the LORD and assist in the ongoing work of the Kingdom, in places other than the United States.
 
I am excited about our next steps as a church. Trevin Wax writes in his book, The Thrill of Orthodoxy, “In every generation, we face the danger of longing for the past while fearing the future. And this mix of nostalgia and fear leads us into a state of complacency – a mission-less faith. We file in and out of the worship center week after week, content to recite the same words with our lips, but our hearts remain unstirred by the truths we confess and we are less likely to invite others to believe the good news.”
 
I hope you will open yourselves up to the LORD’s leadership in your life to seek, consider and take the next steps God has for us. There are amazing things taking place through Trinity Baptist Church. And I don’t mean the building we inhabit, but the people to whom we belong.
 
In Christ,
 

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