Pastor Gretta Brinson preaching

Happy Labor Day from Trinity United Methodist Church!

What happens when we invite people who don’t look, think, or worship like us? Jesus’ call to Matthew challenges us to make room for people who can change the life of the whole community. Rather than trying to recreate the church we remember, we can step forward into the new thing God is creating among us.

When we’re not sure what comes next, prayer can help us find a way forward. The disciples in Acts 1 show us what that can look like: being open, honest, persistent, ready to hear God’s response, and willing to act on it. We may not get the whole plan, but prayer can help us recognize the next step and find the courage to take it.

What do we do when we know something needs to change, but we aren’t sure what comes next? The story of Bartimaeus offers a surprising answer: start asking better questions. As Trinity begins a new season, we explore what it means to name what we hope for, listen for the Spirit’s guidance, and have the faith to take the next step. Bartimaeus’ questions brought him to Jesus, and his faith opened the way to a new reality. What questions might God be inviting us to ask?

Retired Local Pastor, Rick Stewart, preaching. 

Why did Jesus choose a table to reveal the Kingdom of God? Throughout Luke's Gospel, meals become places where outsiders are welcomed, grace is shared, and lives are transformed. As we explore the Last Supper, we discover that Christ's table isn't reserved for the perfect—it is a place where the hungry are fed, the broken are welcomed, and everyone is invited to experience the life only Jesus can give.

Jesus tells a simple story about a persistent widow and an unjust judge, but beneath it lies a challenging question about faith, waiting, and God's timing. In a world built around instant gratification, what does it look like to persevere when God doesn't seem to answer our prayers on our schedule? Discover why the goal isn't to wear God down, but to keep from losing heart while trusting that God's justice will come at the right time.

Every table tells a story about who belongs and who matters. Jesus challenges us to stop chasing places of honor and instead trust that God has already prepared a place for us. Along the way, we learn to notice those who are still waiting for an invitation.

Update from Pastor Bryson on a new appointment arrangement and new sermon schedule at TUMC.  Today's worship can be viewed in full on our YouTube Channel.