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.
01
Sep '22
For the Journey – September 2022
01
Sep '22
The world has never been boring. Everyone who has ever lived, lived in interesting times. We most certainly see interesting things around us today. We can notice the evil that is so prevalent around us or we can focus on our response and provide an escape. As I shared recently in a sermon, I have never lived in a time when the church is so opposed as it is today. There have been worse days in our history, but our post-modern culture presents challenging assignments for the church.
I am not depressed. I have read the end of the book. Nonetheless, these truly are interesting days. How we respond to everything going on in our world today speaks volumes about our faith and trust in God’s plan and solutions. It is time for us to hold strong to our biblical upbringing. It is time for us to stand on the truth of God’s Word. It is time for us to refute heresy with gentleness and respect allowing others to see the validity of our message. Sin carries consequences and a life lived in the Spirit produces fruit.
I recently read some great advice regarding our response to our current situations. We are challenged to walk with God today in what we know while waiting for tomorrow to come. We ought to be preparing ourselves for what is coming our way while at the same time living productive and fruitful lives. We desire for others to see the good things we do and glorify our Father in heaven. Our faithfulness is a powerful witness to those around us.
So how do we spend our time? We should consider evaluating what is most important and give our highest cause our greatest service. We are moving closer to a grand opening to a new opportunity. A new gathering place and teaching space. I am already anticipating greeting you in our new entrance. It will be joyful to look down from our walkways to see the fellowship taking place.
Faith family, you have been faithful to the task and faithful to your commitment. We are experiencing God’s blessing because we are sharing the blessing God has given in order to bless those we know as well as those we don’t know yet. Thank you for your faithfulness.
I want to also express my thanks to Carrie Overby who has served faithfully as our Worship Ministry Assistant. Carrie will be stepping down at the end of this month. Carrie is greatly involved in our worship ministry as a participant, but has also provided great leadership. Stephanie Clarke will be coming on staff this month to work alongside Carrie. We are grateful for all of God’s provision and are blessed by such a great group of ministers and assistants. Thank you, Carrie. Welcome, Stephanie.
Stay tuned to the announcements coming your way. We hope very soon to let you know when we will celebrate a grand opening to our new building. Who knows, we might even bring back donuts.
In Christ,
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01
Sep '22
Children’s Ministry – September 2022
01
Sep '22
I am so very grateful for the prayers and support from our church. We had a wonderful summer in the Children’s Ministry and I’d like to share a couple of highlights for me personally.
We had a great group of kids at VBS and camp that accepted Christ. Many of them have been baptized the past few weeks and we still have some that are needing to be baptized. It has been such a blessing to see God work in the lives of our kids this summer. VBS and camp both were great times to have spiritual conversations as well as spiritual decisions. We are continuing many conversations as we head into fall. I hope we keep having to fill up that baptistry each week because we have so many kids, students and adults come to Christ!
Another highlight of the summer for me was during Pre-Teen camp. One of our church families had a girl from Japan living with them as a short-term foreign exchange student. I am so very grateful that she was able to go to camp with us while she was in Kerrville. We gave her a Bible of her own while we were at camp and the girls would sit down to help her learn to read using her new Bible. She worshipped and heard God’s word alongside our kids. My heart was thrilled to see our girls teach, love and minister to their new friend. We are praying for God to grow the seeds that were planted in her life. Who knew that we’d be blessed to have foreign missions come to us at camp.
Thank you, Trinity, for praying and supporting us during VBS, Camp and summer programming. I’m so very grateful for our church!
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01
Sep '22
Youth Ministry – September 2022
01
Sep '22
The beginning of school is always a busy time of year in Student Ministry. New routines start to get established and new experiences start to take root as teenagers return to school.
We have some exciting things happening in the Student Ministry here at Trinity. One of the things I love is seeing how students who connected at camp have come home and are experiencing a new level of encouragement on Sundays and Wednesdays. Even better than that, seeing students take next steps of faith is a remarkable sight as well.
I say this often, but not nearly often enough: Thank you, Trinity family, for all of your support. I often find myself speechless in the willingness of our body to serve with what they have—time or resources or both. I cannot express how grateful I am to be part of this church.
Finally, please be in prayer for students and families as most schools are already 2-3 weeks into the new school year. For students, pray they will have the courage to take a stand for their faith, the boldness to start (or even simply make the most of) spiritual conversations, and a growth in their own faith. For parents, pray for the time spent driving to and from school and practices, and those parents who are grieving the loss of car time with their newly licensed drivers.
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01
Sep '22
Women of the Word Bible Class
01
Sep '22
by Becky Doyal
We are the WOW Sisters. We are adult women of all ages (20’s to 90’s). We are single, married, widowed, divorced, mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers. Most importantly, we are sisters in Christ’s family, loving and caring for one another.
In Titus 2, Paul instructs the Godly older women of the church to train younger women in Biblical, Spirit-filled, love-based living. He singles out the mature women of faith, those who have already “been there, done that” and learned by going with Christ through many difficult life experiences, to love, to be reverent, godly, modest and wise; and Paul charges them to meet with the younger women in the church and teach them from the Word. Godly older women in the church take Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:17-20; and Galatians 2:20 seriously:
“Bodies presented as living sacrifices, holy, acceptable to God,
not conformed to this world, but with transformed and renewed minds;”
in “bodies that are temples of the Holy Spirit, glorifying God
in body and spirit, which are God’s;” “no longer living for me,
but Christ living through me.”
not conformed to this world, but with transformed and renewed minds;”
in “bodies that are temples of the Holy Spirit, glorifying God
in body and spirit, which are God’s;” “no longer living for me,
but Christ living through me.”
The WOW Bible Class is a place where women of all ages can openly share what’s on their heart, find guidance for living from the Bible, receive encouragement with love, and learn how to have a personal relationship with their Lord Jesus Christ. Each Sunday morning, we communicate, pray and praise, learn from God’s Word, and work on memorization. We will finish up our summer study of the End Times on September 4th. Then on September 11th, we will return to the MasterWork Bible studies by Lifeway.
The WOW Sisters welcome women of all ages and all Spiritual stages of life to join us on Sunday mornings in room 104, at 9:30 AM. That’s fifteen minutes earlier than the other classes meet because we tend to talk a lot!
Hope to see you Sunday.
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01
Sep '22
Eagle’s Wings Lifegroup
01
Sep '22
by Juliann Witte
Eagle’s Wings home group meets on Monday evenings for spiritual accountability, fellowship, friendship, and study the divinely inspired word of God, utilizing Right Now Media resources.
Topics/Bible books are chosen by group consensus. Should an individual(s) be laden with a difficult obstacle in their life journey – time is taken to discuss that issue, regardless of course schedule, until it is satisfactorily addressed. The study format utilizes video with study sheets, scripture, and lively discussion. Discussions are respectful, engaging, informative, at times festive, and biblically sound.
Our experiences and journeys are at various stages. However, the sharing of our journeys and life experiences makes this group caring and supportive of one another with a sincere pursuit to emulate the life and work of Jesus Christ.
We seek to fulfill our group and individual spiritual journey in the works and word of our Lord Jesus Christ by being considerate and compassionate to those in need of assistance and encouragement within Trinity Baptist, Kerrville, and other local communities that need a helping hand; whether it be a kind note, prayer, or boots on the ground.
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01
Aug '22
For the Journey – August 2022
01
Aug '22
Anniversaries are great reminders of God’s provisions. God has plans and He always provides for His plans. Melinda and I want to thank you, Trinity Baptist Church, for the past ten years. We have walked together through great times and times of struggle. I remember the weekend we came in view of the call to serve as Pastor at Trinity Baptist Church. Trinity graciously put us up at the Inn of the Hills and when we arrived, there were flowers and a snack basket for our room. We were eating breakfast at the hotel when Jimmie and Ruth Spradling came over and introduced themselves and asked if we were the Wheats. That began a wonderful day of meeting precious people who called themselves Trinity Baptist Church. Jimmie has since gone to be with the LORD.
It wasn’t very long after I came that we began our Forward by Faith remodel. The church had already voted to move in this direction and, shortly after coming, we moved our worship services to the Family Life Center. It was quite different but provided for a great way to meet new people. I got to see the beautiful response of the Trinity members as they were displaced for worship but so joyfully moved together.
Ten years later, we are in search of our next Minister of Worship as well as counting down the days till we open our new building through our Blessed to Bless campaign. God is sure faithful to provide for the work He is calling us toward. We are receiving new members as God provides and celebrating the baptisms of those who are coming to receive salvation in Christ. We set up the flag in the Worship Center from Sunday to Sunday of the state or country Trinity members are heading for mission opportunities. The American flag is always out reminding us of our mission responsibility here at home.
We have been blessed this summer through the incredible potential of Vacation Bible School, Horizon Student Camp, and Alto Frio Pre-teen Camp. God is moving among our students and their leadership. Our adult discipleship includes specific Bible studies for everyone. On Sunday mornings and during the week, groups gather to connect with each other and study God’s Word. We are blessed to be a blessing for such a time as this.
Our community and world need to see strong and committed followers of Jesus. I am grateful for the journey with you as we travel these days and paths together. I prayerfully anticipate that next month’s Trinity Life will carry the information about the Grand Opening of our new gathering and education space.
Our community and world need to see strong and committed followers of Jesus. I am grateful for the journey with you as we travel these days and paths together. I prayerfully anticipate that next month’s Trinity Life will carry the information about the Grand Opening of our new gathering and education space.
Anniversaries are great reminders of God’s provisions as we remember all that God has done while also anticipating all that God is planning to do
.
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the LORD and not to men, knowing that from the LORD you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the LORD Christ.” Colossians 3:23
We love you Trinity,
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01
Aug '22
Dominican Republic Trip
01
Aug '22
Joe, Jennifer, Jaden, and Jordan Rief; Becky Doyal; April, Jaycee, and Kenleigh Conner; JD Templeton; and Wes, Mica, Anna, and Charis Henson traveled June 18-25 to the Dominican Republic. We experienced God’s great work through a number of projects. Here are excerpts from a few of their stories.
Anna – God taught me about using simple tasks to glorify Him. We served ice cream to the youth and played basketball and volleyball, all of which God was working through even with the language barrier. God also helped me to discover new ways in which I can be a better leader now.
Becky – We visited the Santiago Orphanage, a wonderful place which cares for 140 abused and neglected children – teens to infants – who were legally removed from their parents. My heart hurts for those children, but I praise God that they are in a good place now. I plan, Lord willing, to go again next year.
April – This is my second mission trip to go on and I will say that I always get more out of it than I give. There were things to do at many different skill levels from sewing, making and sanding bunk beds, and construction. One of the construction leaders said, “God has given us a left and a right hand, and it’s up to you what you do with it.”
Charis – God showed me how he can take care of the orphans who have been mistreated by their family or who do not have a family. Some of the kids were scared to accept Christ because they thought they might get bullied. So, we encouraged them to accept Him because God will help them through it.
Jaycee – Before I went on this trip I was scared and not quite sure how I would help contribute. Now though, I feel like God has shown me that if I am willing I can be used for his work. This trip taught me a lot about myself and showed me that there are sisters and brothers in Christ everywhere. I encourage everyone, who is willing, to go on the next trip. The experience will give you far more than you ever imagined.
Mica – God taught me during my time in the Dominican Republic that no job was too small. There were times that I was not part of a large project, but I found ways to be helpful. Organizing donations, sweeping construction debris, and cleaning the dining area. All of it was essential in helping with the work God was doing.
Kenleigh – The way the people prayed so selfless convicted me that what I pray for doesn’t really matter. For example, they prayed for other people to know Christ and that they would have a good education. This trip not only brought me closer to people in the Dominican, but people from our church. I was originally nervous about going because it was a different, unknown place. But by the end, I didn’t want to leave.
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29
Jun '22
Trinity’s Summer Interns
29
Jun '22
My name is Avery Abshier, and I am super excited to serve this summer as an intern! I have lived in Kerrville my whole life and have been going to Trinity for 7 years. I am thrilled to return to the student ministry as an intern to foster old and new relationships with our students. Beyond youth ministry, I am grateful for the opportunity to be involved in and learn about church ministry in the many capacities available. It is exciting to be able to lead and learn alongside our staff and students and I look forward to all God plans to do this summer!
My name is Lexi Gonzalez and I am going to be one of your summer interns. I am from all over the wonderful state of Texas, because my Dad is a youth pastor. My parents currently live in Idalou, Texas, which is about 15 miles from Lubbock. I have one younger brother who is about to be a Junior in High School. I am currently going to Howard Payne University and am studying Social Work with a minor in Cross-Cultural Ministry. I am looking forward to getting to know each of you this summer, and getting the opportunity to do ministry with this amazing church. I love getting to work with people who love Jesus and who want to help people grow in their relationship with the Lord. One thing I am looking forward to this summer is being able to walk alongside the kids and youth as they grow in their relationship with God and each other.
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29
Jun '22
Stitchers For Jesus
29
Jun '22
by Cheryll Overla
The stitchers have been busy this spring. In addition to our usual garments of clothing turned in (dresses and shorts sets), we now have a new
division to the group – the knitters and crocheters. These ladies have been busy creating beautiful afghans for babies and children. It is exciting to see all the wonderful items come in each month and to know that children around the world will receive them. We also have a couple of ladies knitting and crocheting newborn hats that will go to a baby hospital in Guatemala. What an opportunity the Lord has brought our way to use something we love to do to serve Him!
As I am writing this, a delivery is on its way to Corpus Christi via Larry and Carol Westfall. They make several trips a year to deliver supplies, etc. to the STCH storage room. Missionaries, mission groups, etc. can choose things from this storage room to take wherever they go. The stitchers packed up and sent 100 dresses, 20 shorts sets (both boys and girls), 15 walker tote bags and 20 baby afghans. We will also have items ready to send to the Dominican with the mission group from church.
Another exciting thing happened for our group recently as the Worship Kids on Wednesday night made fleece blankets and donated them. The group was happy to participate and they prayed over each blanket before the class was over. It was a great opportunity for the kids to experience being servants and the joy of giving of their time and talents. The children who helped are Bradley, Alexandria, Olivia, Aidan, Charis, Hannah, Arwen, Cami, Levi, Joseph, and Ben. A great time was had by all, even the adults!!
Do you sew, knit or crochet? We have just the group for you at Trinity.
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01
Jun '22
For the Journey – June 2022
01
Jun '22
We all have a heavy heart. Prayers, presence and words are often the response to tragedy. We have all grieved with Uvalde, Texas this past week. Anyone who is a parent or grandparent begins to groan with the families and the loss of life of these precious children and teachers. After the initial shock of what took place, we begin to ask, “What can we do?” We cannot believe any individual could do such a horrendous act, but we are reminded that evil is evil.
There are no words that can be offered that help to explain or console. However, we can offer prayers. Prayers to God who hurts alongside all the grieving families and the community that will forever be changed. I do not have the words to share or encourage us except that God will work through all that has happened. God redeems all He allows and He is very near to the broken hearted. We also can be near to those in Uvalde through our prayers for them.
There are many who need our prayers. First and most definitely, those whose family members were killed. We also need to remember to pray for all of the first responders who both ended the conflict and began to offer help. Remember the hospital workers who received the injured and deceased. Pray for all of the school children who will remember these events and those who walked alongside them in the halls of their school. Lift up the faculty and administration as they mourn the loss of students, but also their peers. God help us all as we consider how to pray for those in need.
In the midst of all the chaos of the world, God is still moving forward. We should never let evil stop us or silence us. The answer to all of our struggles is still an authentic relationship with Jesus that transforms us and our world. In the presence of all the ugly, there is hope. Our world does not have the answer. Therefore, we must continue to do our part in declaring in our brokenness that God pursues us and desires to have a relationship with us. He has made it all possible through Jesus Christ, His Son and our Savior.
There are many opportunities to share hope this summer. Find your place and plug in. Vacation Bible School and summer camps are scheduled and many children and youth have already signed up. They have signed up for an opportunity to take a first step in Jesus for salvation or a next step in Christ in discipleship. Let us be in the position for God to use us in great ways this summer and every day.
This month we will say goodbye to Larry Danks. I am forever thankful for the time Larry has served as our Minister of Worship. He and Mary Pat have faithfully served the LORD in life as well as Trinity Baptist Church. We will be hosting a Retirement Celebration for Larry on Sunday, June 26th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. We will have a brief presentation at 3:30 for Larry and Mary Pat. Church members are encouraged to bring a card expressing their love and appreciation to the Danks for their faithful and outstanding ministry among us.
The summer will be full of opportunities to be involved both in prayer support and active engagement. Let’s join together as we see God working among us to declare His goodness and purpose.
In Christ,
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01
May '22
The Friendship Class
01
May '22
by Linda Warden
The Friendship Bible class at Trinity Baptist Church meets in room 221 at 9:45 Sunday mornings and is made up of adults of all ages with diverse backgrounds. Currently, the class is led in a discussion of the sermon from the previous Sunday morning service. The teaching leaders are Frank Brooksher and Bob Davis on a rotating basis. Each leader facilitates the discussion in a manner that includes all class members, whether they were in the previous week’s service or not.
Some members have been a part of this class for many years and others have joined very recently. Our class discussions include input from folks who have broad knowledge of scripture and others whose knowledge is at a different stage. This blend of people is evidence that all are welcome in this class no matter the person’s background. The emphasis for participation is that all desire to grow in understanding of the scripture. Sharing of life experiences by class members during discussion opportunities provides helpful examples of how God has been and is at work in our community and world. The class warmly welcomes all visitors who are interested in studying God’s word with fellow believers and seekers.
The Friendship Class also encourages weekly prayer support for class members. Prayer requests are shared before the class ends each week and those prayer needs are emailed to each class member for continued prayer throughout the week. Many class members are involved in other areas of life at Trinity such as the choir, mission trips, teaching, greeters, church member care, childcare and/or weekly Bible Studies, plus other avenues.
We are not large in number, but we welcome growth. We meet at 9:45 AM each Sunday morning in room 221 which is on the right just before the walkway above and around the Family Life Center. The fellowship we share during the class time is a source of friendship, encouragement and spiritual growth for each member. Come to visit and join our friendly group
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30
Apr '22
Women’s Bible Study
30
Apr '22
by Shelby Peschel
I recently had my teenage son help me with some heavy boxes in our attic. Our quest was hunt down a Bible Study workbook that I had studied over a decade ago. Turns out, we had multiple boxes to search through, with over forty workbooks total much to his dismay and my delight.
As I rummaged through the different titles, I recalled many of the deep spiritual truths learned with each study. There was the one on The Covenant where I learned foundational truths of God’s constant loving-kindness. The one on Daniel where I learned that God is with me in the fire. The one on Psalms 23 where I learned that no matter the valley, my Shepherd will guide me. Reminder after reminder of lessons learned from dedicated time in study of God’s Word.
But perhaps more so than lessons learned, I recalled faces. Faces of the women, of all ages and all walks of life, who not only studied together but encouraged & uplifted one another. There was the one study where I was new to town and honestly just wanted to meet other Christian women. The one where I was an exhausted new mom and those smiling church nursery workers during Bible Study once a week were my saving grace. The one where we prayed fervently for healing for a class member’s mother. The one where we rejoiced together, the one where we cried together, the one where we laughed together…
As I looked over twenty years’ worth of studies, never once did I regret the time spent studying God’s Word and growing with other ladies. Women’s Bible Study (WBS) is time well spent. Simply put, it is life-giving. WBS meets Wednesday mornings and Thursday nights. We are currently studying Jonah with plans for a summer study on 1 Peter and then Acts in the fall. More information can be found online at www.tbck.org/adult-groups. There is a place for you, and you are invited. This could be the one where…
“Lord, Your word is forever; Your faithfulness is for all
generations; I will never forget Your precepts, for You have
given me life through them.” Psalms 119: 89-93
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