A new year is upon us. For some, it has taken too long to get here, and for others, it came way too quickly. The impact of 2025 had a full assortment of both good and bad. What we choose to remember will help to determine whether we view it largely as positive or negative. Either way, it has given shape to our present and our future.

 
Trinity Baptist Church began the year making plans to celebrate our 75th anniversary. We determined to help raise support to eliminate our financial debt of our Gathering Space and God blessed us by covering a big amount through faithful stewardship and giving. We had Dennis Swanberg come and help us celebrate as we were encouraged and laughed a lot. What a wonderful gathering, which was dampened by a big hailstorm as we were heading home.

 
God has really blessed our Gathering Space in our new building by allowing our church to see one another as we gather and move through our Sunday Worship and Bible studies. We did not know it at the time, but God had another use for our space when we were called upon by our city to provide shelter for those loved ones who were not hearing good news from our tragic flood on July 4. I am appreciative for how Trinity provided for the privacy these parents and family members needed. Our hearts are forever changed and our family grown.

 
Texans on Mission quickly came to our campus and have been a great source of financial support and physical labor support in Kerr County. TXM has several groups already scheduled to come and help our community in 2026. Trinity has remained accessible to the lodging needs and meals. Thank you to all who are helping in these areas. It has been such a blessing to sense the large Baptist family support from around the state and even out of state.

 
We continue to pray for all who were affected by the flood. It will not be like it was, but neither will it remain as it is today. One of the things that stands out for me is the way the church at large was available to meet needs and stay connected to the rebuilding efforts taking place. We have a wonderful group of sister churches in Kerrville with godly and anointed leadership. We will continue our journey together.

 
Most of you have heard that Wes Henson has resigned as Youth Minister at Trinity. Wes has felt the LORD leading him in some other directions and Wes is faithfully moving in that direction. I am appreciative of everything Wes has done over his tenure as Youth Minister. He has been an excellent ministerial team member and we have enjoyed watching his family grow up with us. He has developed an incredible team of adult leaders while encouraging our students to take their stand for Christ. Wes’ last day on staff will be Sunday, January 18th. On that day, there will be a reception for the Henson’s at 3:00pm in the Café, with a carding. I hope you will make it a point to express your appreciation to Wes, Mica, Anna and Charis for their time on ministerial staff with us and encourage them as we see them taking the next steps with their family.

 
I am excited about 2026 and look forward to all God has in store for us as we continue to meet together and prioritize God’s assignments among us. Stay tuned; it will be awesome!

 
In Christ,

 

 

 
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,