A Call to Praise - Psalm 100
We communicate through the postures that we hold. In England, people courtesy before the Queen. When we sing the National Anthem, we stand with hands over our hearts. It is not just our thoughts that matter, but the postures we hold matter, too. When the Magi went to Bethlehem with their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, they fell before baby Jesus. They bowed before him They took on a posture of worship.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary tells us that a posture is: “a conscious mental or outward behavioral attitude.” A posture is not just something we hold with our physical bodies; we also hold a posture with the attitude in our hearts. Praise is a posture of us choosing to give thanks to God.
Look at one of the great praise songs in the Bible, Psalm 100. Psalm 100 is a summons to take up the posture of praising God. Why? “Because the LORD is God; it is he who made us.” Why praise God? “Because the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
Here is the context for Psalm 100. Psalm 100 is part of a group of Psalms that were put together after Israel’s exile in Babylon. The Book of Psalms is divided into 5 groups or books. Psalm 100 is part of the 4th grouping or book of Psalms, and it comes after a series of Psalms that celebrate God’s sovereignty.
The 3rd book of Psalms ends with Psalm 89. Psalm 89 is a lament that expresses grief over the destruction of Jerusalem and the defeat of the Davidic line of kings. The Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, locked up its king, and exiled many of its leading people far away to a strange land with a different language and culture. In this strange land, the people of Israel grieved. The Old Testament scholar J. Clinton McCann says that the people of Jerusalem grieved because they lost 3 anchors in their lives—their temple, their Davidic king, and their land. Psalm 89 and the 3rd grouping of Psalms end with despair.
But then, when Psalm 90 begins the 4th grouping of Psalms, the Psalmists again express trust in God. They praise God, and they go on and continue to praise God through this 4th grouping of Psalms. The Israelites learn that even in exile, even in a strange land, even far from home, God is still sovereign. The Israelites experience God’s care even in exile. Psalm 100 is the culmination of a series of praise Psalms that celebrate God’s sovereignty.
This tells me that our ability to praise God does not depend on our outward circumstances. Even when we are in exile, even when we are in trouble, we can still praise God, because God meets us in our places of loss, and God offers us care wherever we find ourselves. Psalm 100 says, “We are his people and the sheep of his pasture.” Our praise does not depend on our outward circumstances.
Let’s acknowledge that these past two years have been tough. It has been tough dealing with COVID and with all the political divisions in our nation. In the movie Jerry Maguire, the lead character says, “We live in a cynical world, a cynical world and we work in a business with tough competitors.” The world is tough, and too many are angry. We even hear stories of people attacking others on airplanes because they are full of rage.
It is so easy to list reasons to complain, but Psalm 100 calls us to praise God even during tough times. The singer Chris Tomlin and his pastor Darren Whitehead wrote a book about praising God called Holy Roar:7 Words that Will Change the Way You Worship. In this book, Tomlin and Whitehead point out that the Hebrew word for praise, tȏwdȃh, can mean “an expression of thanksgiving for things not yet received.” Psalm 100 begins by telling us that it is a “psalm for praise,” “a psalm for tȏwdȃh.” In other words, Psalm 100 leads us to praise God because we anticipate that God will be faithful in the future. We praise God not just for God’s faithfulness in the past; we also praise God because we anticipate God’s promised faithfulness in the future, even when we don’t yet see it! The ancient Israelites in Babylonian exile could still praise God even during tough times because they expected God to faithfully show up in their future. Thus, they were able to maintain a posture of praise, an attitude of praise, regardless of what was currently happening around them.
Praise is a choice. We choose to praise God even during turbulent and troubling times. We choose not to be cynical. We choose not to be despairing. We choose not to add to the hate that fills our world. This is not being naive. This is not being foolish. This is being faithful to God because we trust that God is good, that his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Thus, we become sources of light and grace, sources of healing, help and hope to this world
My invitation for us at Trinity United Methodist Church is for us to be people of praise in 2022, people who anticipate that God will show up and prove faithful. Will you join me in praising God this New Year?
in Christ,
Scott
|
|
UPDATE FOR ONLINE WORSHIP |
|
Over the last two years, we have worked hard to provide an online worship experience to those unable to attend worship in person on Sunday. We believe that recording the 8:30 worship service has accomplished the goals we set forth two years ago; however, now is the time for digital growth.
Based on the analytical data provided by YouTube over the last two years, we have seen a steady decline in those watching our online worship videos. It also shows that the amount of time people watch the online service is significantly shorter than the entire worship service. This data has caused us to reevaluate the goals of our online presence. Beginning Sunday, January 9, we will still provide an online service, but the format will be more accessible and intimate. The service will include a few ways to stay connected at Trinity and a 10-15 minute message.
The goals of this new online worship experience are:
- Reach an online audience with a thoughtfully tailored online service.
- Provide a worship experience for those unable to attend in person.
- Be effective in providing an online experience for those who want to preview Trinity before visiting in person.
- Provide a more accessible, concise, and intimate worship experience
The online worship will premier each Sunday at 11:00 a.m. on Facebook and YouTube. Thank you for being so supportive of our online worship over the last two years! We look forward to growing our digital ministry with you in this New Year!
-MaKenzie Johnson
Communications & Operation
|
|
|
|
Join Paula on Tuesday evenings beginning January 18 at 6 p.m. in C112 or Wednesday mornings beginning January 19 at 10 a.m. as we watch and discuss the The Chosen, a television drama about Jesus Christ.
We will see Jesus through the eyes of those who knew him. In this first season Jesus reaches out to a fisherman struggling with debt, a troubled woman wrestling with demons and more as he embarks on his ministry to change the world.
Contact Paula Roane for more details or to sign up today!
|
|
|
|
Church Leadership Orientation |
We are grateful for your willingness to serve on a Team (committee) for the 2022 year! starting on January 1, 2022. We are so appreciative of your gifts, time, energy, and talents that go into supporting the mission of Trinity. You are making an impact for Christ.
We invite anyone that is serving on a team for the 2022 year to attend our Leadership Training/Orientation in our Memorial Fellowship Hall on Saturday, January 8, 2022 beginning at 9:00 a.m.
The purpose of this event will be:
- to inform you of the responsibilities of your team/committee,
- to give you time to meet with the chair of your team/committee and set meeting dates,
- to learn how the leadership of our church is structured, and
- to begin the process of discerning what ministries God is calling our church to do in 2022.
Our training will begin at 9:00 AM, and we will try to be finished by 12 PM.
We ask that you make every effort to attend and if you are able to please RSVP to our communication coordinator Makenzie Johnson ([email protected]) or to Pastor Scott ([email protected]).
|
|
We will hold a special Charge Conference on Saturday, January 8, during the Church Leadership Orientation. The purpose of the meeting is to approve the salary of Paula Roane. |
|
|
|
The Challenge Weekend - POSTPONED |
It is with heavy hearts that we must postpone the Challenge Weekend. Unfortunately, some key individuals who help run the event have been exposed or potentially exposed.
If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact Matt or Melissa.
|
|
New Youth Bible Study - Know Thyself |
We are excited about our new study that will run all of January and February, called “Know Thyself.” It is a study on how God can use all of us, no matter our gifts. It also digs into how we can know the people around us better to serve more effectively. |
|
|
|
Trinity Kids Tuesdays & Thursdays
We are so excited to have our Trinity Kids back for the Spring semester and that we are ADDING an extra day. We will now also meet on Thursdays.
(choir, Bible story/devotion, service projects)
It begins Tuesday, January 11, 2021
3:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
K - 5th Grade
Suggested Donation: $10
(to cover the cost of gas for vehicles)
Transportation will be provided from Kenwood, Wright, and Liza Jackson. The registration form is below!
|
|
Join us for our Annual Winter Retreat at Blue Lake!
We are so excited to once again be hosting our weekend-long Elementary Winter Retreat!
Join us for 3 days filled with learning about our Lord, campfires, and lots of fun!
WHO: Current 3rd-5th Graders
WHEN: February 4-6, 2022
$115 for Campers if registered before December 20th
$130 for Campers registered after December 20th
$85 for Adults
Registration opens on NOVEMBER 5th and closes on JANUARY 21st.
|
|
|
|
Worship Décor Team Building B |
Thank you to the volunteers who came to help decorate and undecorate Building B for Christmas!
If you are interested in being on our Worship Décor Team for Easter, please contact Lisa Simon, [email protected] or call the church office. (850)862-4169 |
|
Trinity Kid's Choir & Handbells |
Trinity Kid’s will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays this semester! We now will have time to add Handbells to our music curriculum!
Please contact Rev. Paula Roane, our Children’s Minister,
[email protected] if you are interested in joining us 3:30-5:15 pm, Grades K-5, in Building A, the Children’s Wing!
|
|
Trinity Kid's Spring Musical |
Trinity Kid's will be doing a Spring Musical in May! Auditions coming the first for February (2/1/22).
You don't want to miss the fun!
|
|
We are excited to announce a new sermon series entitled "Known," beginning January 2. This will be a 9-week sermon series, and WE KNOW that's crazy but hear us out...
God is the ultimate creator and designer. While human beings may share common motivations and fears, each is unique and individually made. Relationships are complex but necessary, and most of us can learn how to empathize with others to be better spouses, parents, coworkers, or friends. Each week, we will focus on Biblical characters and look at them through the lens of the Enneagram. But what's an Enneagram? The Enneagram is a powerful tool used for understanding ourselves and the people in our lives.
We will take this opportunity to look inwardly at some of our weaknesses and strengths and learn how they are an opportunity for God's strength to be displayed and how He helps us grow within ourselves and our relationships.
We can't wait to explore this amazing topic with you. Take a deeper dive into the Enneagram through our Worship Guide by clicking the button below! You can also take the Enneagram Quiz to find out which number you are.
|
|
Saturday, January 8 • Church Leadership Orientation @ 9:00 a.m. • MFH
Monday, January 10 • Prayer Warriors @ 11:45 a.m. • Church Library
Monday, January 10 • Trustee Meeting @ 6:00 p.m. • C102
Tuesday, January 11 • Tuesday Morning Women's Group @ 6:30 a.m. • MFH (Weekly)
Tuesday, January 11 • Trinity Kids Begins @ 3:30 p.m. • Dean Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, January 12 • Centering Prayer Group @ 5:00 p.m. • Sanctuary (Weekly)
Wednesday, January 12 • First of All Small Group @ 5:30 p.m. • C105 (Weekly)
Wednesday, January 12 • Staff Parish Relations Meeting @ 6:00 p.m. • C105
Wednesday, January 12 • Chancel Choir Practice @ 6:30 p.m. • Sanctuary
Thursday, January 14 • Men's Bible Study @ 7:00 a.m. • Memorial Fellowship Hall (Weekly)
Thursday, January 14 • Chancel Handbell Practice @ 5:45 p.m. • Choir Room
Sunday, January 16 • TSM: Ice-Skating
Monday, January 17 • CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED (MLK JR. DAY)
Tuesday, January 18 • Tuesday Morning Women's Group @ 6:30 a.m. • MFH (Weekly)
Tuesday, January 18 • Finance Team Meeting @ 6:00 p.m. • C112
Tuesday, January 18 • The Chosen Bible Study Begins @ 6:00 p.m. • C102
Wednesday, January 19 • The Chosen Bible Study Begins @ 10:00 a.m. • C102
Wednesday, January 19 • Centering Prayer Group @ 5:00 p.m. • Sanctuary (Weekly)
Wednesday, January 18 • First of All Small Group @ 5:30 p.m. • C105 (Weekly)
Wednesday, January 19 • Chancel Choir Practice @ 6:30 p.m. • Sanctuary
Thursday, January 20 • Men's Bible Study @ 7:00 a.m. • Memorial Fellowship Hall (Weekly)
Thursday, January 20 • Chancel Handbell Practice @ 5:45 p.m. • Choir Room
Thursday, January 20 • Emmaus Meeting @ 6:00 p.m. • MFH
For a full calendar of events, click the "Full Calendar" link below.
|
|
Philbeth Gueranini
Jerry Harris
Family of Kathy Langley
Mary Ann Lawrence*
Family of Jackie Jones
Family of Douglas Newton
Jeff Poole
John Tindall
****
Bold = New to Circle of Concern
* = Church Member
At the start of 2022, all individuals on the Circle of Concern, except those placed in the last two weeks. If you or someone you know needs prayer, please complete the Prayer Request form below. The Circle of Concern list is updated and sent out biweekly via the Trumpeter, and individuals are on the list for four weeks.
|
|
We are deeply saddened to announce that former founding pastor Douglas Netwon has gone to be with Christ in his eternal home on December 28, 2021, at 85 years old. Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to his family. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
