Trinity's News

TRINITY'S ANNOUNCEMENTS & PRAYER LIST

KEEP THE ROOF, GROW THE MISSION!

Trinity UMC is entering Phase 3 of our roof repair project, focusing on the Education Wing—a space that serves The Maker’s Place mission, a community day care, and classrooms where children and adults grow in faith.

From September 14 through November 9, we are raising $15,000 to complete this vital work and protect our building for years to come.

Your gift is more than an investment in bricks and beams—it’s an investment in the possibilities this space creates for ministry, mission, and community.

Join us in prayer, generosity, and action. Every gift matters. Together, let’s ensure Trinity remains a beacon of faith, hope, and love in Ewing.

 

LEADERSHIP MEETINGS

Church Council: October 5 at Conference Room

Trinity’s Church Conference: October 25 at 1 pm via Zoom

CANNED FOOD DRIVE FOR TASK

We are collecting canned goods for the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) to help stock their food pantry. Please bring a can or two to share with our neighbors in need. Collection baskets are located in the narthex. All nonperishable items are welcome, but please no glass containers. Together, we can feed both body and spirit with God’s love.

BIBLE STUDIES: Tuesdays at 11 am & Wednesdays at 5 pm

Together we will explore the Gospel of Mark, share in meaningful discussion, and grow in faith and fellowship. All are welcome.

 

COFFEE WITH PASTOR RICHARD.

At Barnes & Noble in Campus Town: Wednesdays 4-5pm.

COMMUNION SUNDAY SPECIAL - OUTREACH OFFERING

This October, we are collecting a special donation for Homefront in honor of Larry Wenger. Your generosity will help us share God’s love with our community.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Let's extend our hearts in prayer for the following beloved individuals:

Sharon and Bob, for health and strength.

Nancy C., Kristin R., Marilyn C., James F., Lea R., Anita S., for health and strength.

Asli and Bora, for health and strength. Requested by Precious.

Modesto Romero & Amarilys Gonzalez for health and strength.

Ginny Verdi, for health and strength.

 

In our prayers, let us remember the following people, who passed away, asking for comfort for their loved ones and peace for their soul:

Dot Morris, Rich Tamian, Kathryn’s brother-in-law and Carl’s sister.

Devotional: Look to the Future, Not the Pit

 

Look to the Future, Not the Pit

Scripture: John 14:1 — “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”

Too often, we dwell on the hardships we have endured. We replay our mistakes, regrets, or pain, as if looking backward will change anything. Joseph’s life teaches us a different way: the pit is not the destination. God calls us to look forward.

Faith is trusting that God is always present, guiding us even through darkness. When Joseph was sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned, God was with him. Step by step, God led him toward the palace. In the same way, God walks with us, moving us from difficulty to blessing, from sorrow to joy.

We are invited to focus on tomorrow, to let go of the past, and to trust in God’s plan. Even when circumstances seem overwhelming, God is always up to something good. Our future holds the key, and our hearts are safe in God’s hands.

Prayer: Loving God, help us lift our eyes from the pit and look to the future you have prepared. Fill us with hope, joy, and courage as we trust your guidance. Amen.

Devotional: Blessed and Highly Favored

 

Scripture: 1 John 4:4 — “Greater is the one who is in you than the one who is in the world.”

We may not always feel favored. Life can feel heavy, full of fear, or uncertain about the future. Yet Scripture assures us that we are blessed and highly favored. Just as Joseph experienced God’s favor in prison and in palace, we, too, walk under God’s protection and guidance.

Favor is not about circumstances—it is about God’s presence. Even when we cannot see it, even when the situation seems hopeless, God is with us, recalculating our path, leading us toward joy, victory, and purpose. Our faith allows us to trust in this promise, even when emotions falter.

We are called to live in confidence, courage, and hope. When we focus on the Prince of Glory, rather than the pits we face, we find strength to rise above the past.

Prayer: Loving God, help us to walk confidently in your favor. Renew our trust, uplift our hearts, and guide us forward with hope and courage. Amen.

Devoltional: Your Destiny

 

Your Destiny

Scripture: Psalm 30:5 — “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

Life often brings unexpected setbacks. Like Joseph, we can feel betrayed, abandoned, or trapped in circumstances beyond our control. Yet the pit is never our destiny. God’s favor remains with us, even when we cannot see it. Every hardship can be a steppingstone to something greater.

Joseph’s life reminds us that struggles refine us, prepare us, and guide us toward God’s intended purpose. We may not feel favored in the moment—whether facing loss, heartbreak, or injustice—but God’s presence surrounds us. Every challenge is temporary, and every trial has meaning in the hands of a loving God.

Beloved, the past does not define your future. Lift your eyes from what is behind you and set your heart on what lies ahead. Trust that God is leading step by step toward the palace, toward joy, and toward fulfillment.

Prayer: Loving God, remind us that our struggles are not the end. Strengthen our faith, renew our hope, and guide us toward your promises. Amen.

Devotional: Trusting God

 

Scripture Reference: Romans 8:28; Job 12:13-16; Isaiah 2:22; Jeremiah 17:5-8; Isaiah 40:31

 In times of hardship and injustice, our instinct may be to question God's sovereignty over our lives. We may create exemptions, thinking God couldn't have willed certain tragedies or challenges. Yet, the lives of Joseph, Job, and others in Scripture teach us a different perspective.

 Have you ever wrestled with doubts about God's control over difficult circumstances in your life?

How does the truth of Romans 8:28 impact your understanding of God's sovereignty?

 Joseph's life exemplifies unwavering faith in God's sovereignty. Despite betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment, Joseph never doubted God’s company. His conviction echoed the truth later expressed by Paul in Romans 8:28—that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

 Consider areas in your life where you struggle to trust God's sovereignty? How can you surrender those concerns to God today?

Reflect on Isaiah's admonition to trust in God rather than in human strength or understanding. How can you cultivate a deeper reliance on God's eternal wisdom?

 As we meditate on Joseph's example and the truths from Scripture, may we find reassurance in God's unchanging character and faithfulness throughout every season of life. Let us anchor our trust in God’s love, knowing that God sustains us, empowers us, and leads us through every trial and triumph according to eternal love.

 Prayer:

Loving God, in moments of doubt and disillusionment, remind me of Your presence in every detail of my life. Help me to trust Your wisdom and timing, knowing that You work all things for my ultimate good and Your glory. Strengthen my faith to wait upon You with hope and endurance, believing that Your plans for me are perfect. Amen.

 

Sermon Notes: The Pit (part II)

 

Have you ever felt trapped, as if life has placed you in a pit with no way out? It can feel overwhelming, but the pit is not your destiny. There is a future full of promise waiting for you—a life filled with joy, peace, and abundance. No matter the challenges you face, you have the capacity to overcome them and step fully into your potential.

You are destined for greatness. As a child of the King, you carry a special identity and purpose. Your life is meant to shine with significance, and the doors of opportunity are open before you. Just as Joseph rose from hardship to prominence, and as leaders have emerged from challenging circumstances throughout history, you too can rise above difficulties. Sometimes the hardest moments are the ones that shape the most remarkable triumphs.

Trials do not define you; they refine you. Negative voices and discouragement may surround you, but your focus must remain on the path ahead. Keep your eyes on the promise of your future, and do not allow temporary setbacks to diminish your vision.

Through every moment, you are not alone. There is a power at work in your life that can transform struggles into blessings and confusion into clarity. Trust in the plan set before you, even when it does not seem clear, and move forward with confidence.

The pit is not your destiny. You are meant for greatness, and your best days are still to come. Keep your head high, your heart open, and your faith strong.

Sermon Notes: The Pit (part I)

 

Introduction

Imagine a family with thirteen kids, four wives, and one dad who has a clear favorite. It sounds chaotic, right? Well, that's exactly what Joseph's life was like. Let's dive into this crazy family drama and see what we can learn about sin, dreams, and God's love.

I. Sin Starts in the Heart

Joseph was the golden child, the apple of his dad's eye. But his brothers weren't too happy about that. Their jealousy turned into hatred, and eventually, they plotted to kill him. This shows us that sin doesn't always start with big, bad actions. It can start with small, negative feelings in our hearts.

II. God's Dream vs. Our Dreams

Joseph had a dream about being a big shot, ruling over his brothers. But God had a different plan for him. Sometimes, our dreams don't line up with God's plans. It's important to remember that God knows what's best for us, even when we don't understand it.

III. Suffering and Redemption

Joseph's life took a major turn when his brothers sold him into slavery. He went through a lot of pain and suffering, but God was with him every step of the way. This story reminds us that even in the darkest times, God's love and faithfulness never fail.

Conclusion

So, what can we take away from this crazy family drama? First, sin starts in the heart. Second, God's plan for our lives is always better than our own. And third, no matter what we go through, God's love is always there for us.