Conference Newsletter | Vol. 4 • Issue 26 • 2026

Voices of Trinity 
A Conversation With Bishop Jones

Greetings, Trinity Family,

I still remember the room rising to its feet at our first Convening Annual Conference in February 2023. Bishop Scott Jones had just been introduced, and MaryLou came to stand beside him as the applause continued. There was so much gratitude in that room. We had been through a difficult season, and here was a shepherd we knew and loved, ready to walk with us into something new.

Bishop Jones has been a true partner in helping to establish our Conference, nurture our growth, and set a solid direction for the future of our ministry. And that's why I’m grateful to share our newest episode of Voices of Trinity with Bishop Jones, as he prepares to retire from the role of general superintendent in the Global Methodist Church this Saturday, October 31.

This is a conversation I know you will especially enjoy: we talked about the journey that brought us here, what God is doing among us, and what comes next.

Bishop Jones shared how a truck driver’s simple witness helped lead him back to Christ, a reminder that we may never know what God will do through a conversation. We talked about rediscovering our Wesleyan Methodist roots, growing in holiness, and how the Articles of Faith can help us understand and share what we believe. His hope is that every Global Methodist Christian will offer Christ to someone nearby: who might God be inviting YOU to reach?

As he looks toward the next season, Bishop Jones is clear: “There is no retirement from discipleship.” He plans to keep teaching, serving, and listening for where God might use him. He says he intends to pray for us daily "for the rest of his life," and yes, we talked about grandchildren. He and MaryLou have seven who are expecting a little more of their time!

Finally, Bishop Jones offers warm words of encouragement and insight as we prepare to welcome Bishop Luther Oconer, who will officially begin his tenure of episcopal leadership of Trinity Conference this Sunday, November 1.

I hope you’ll spend some time with this conversation linked below. There is wisdom here for all of us. And please join me in thanking God for Bishop Jones and MaryLou, and praying for them as they enter a new season. They have loved us well! 

Peace,

Watch and listen on these streaming platforms:

Equipping For the Harvest Spotlight: 
Discipleship Is Everyone's Calling

by Rev. Enid Henderson, Equipping Elder

What does it take to make disciples of Jesus Christ? A large congregation? A dedicated ministry staff? An established small-group program? You may be surprised to learn none of these things are needed to make disciples.



Perhaps the better question is: Who has God already placed in our lives, and how are we helping one another become more like Jesus?

What It Looks Like In the Local Church

At The Harvest Methodist Church in Missouri City, Texas, discipleship takes shape through relationships, small groups, and service.



For Trish Garcia-Monet, a member of The Harvest's Leadership Board and an active small-group leader, discipleship is an ongoing journey of surrender and spiritual growth.

“I feel like the surrendering part for me can't just happen one time,” Trish shared.


Following Jesus is a daily commitment to surrender, growth, and transformation, a journey we were never intended to make alone.


Trish and her husband co-lead Gathered Around the Word, a Wednesday evening small group in their home. Participants share food and fellowship, study Scripture, pray together, and support one another throughout the week. For Trish, leading the group helps deepen her own faith while creating space for others to grow.

DJ Frewin, The Harvest's Director of Discipleship and Connection, has watched Trish grow from an engaged member into a small-group leader who is willing to share her testimony beyond the congregation.



Her story illustrates an important truth: Disciple-making is not reserved for pastors or ordained clergy. It is the calling of every follower of Jesus.


The Harvest averages more than 300 people in Sunday worship and has 12 small groups and an active Emmaus community. Yet DJ distinguishes between offering activities and cultivating spiritual growth.


“Programs can create opportunities for discipleship, but programs alone cannot produce a culture of discipleship,” he explains.

READ MORE >>

Our Faith, Our Calling: 
What the Articles of Faith Mean for the Laity

by Sarah Kreutziger, Oscar Garza, and John Dawson


For us as laypersons, these Articles are more than theological statements. They are a declaration of who God is, who we are, how God works through the church, how we are saved, how we grow, and our understanding of Christ’s return and eternal life in God’s new creation.

READ MORE >>

Help Tell the Story of the Harvest 
End of Year Harvest Reports Due January 31

by Rev. Ben McGehee

“Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” —John 4:35b (NIV)


Across the Trinity Conference, God is at work through local churches as people come to faith, grow as disciples, and answer the call to serve! By completing the 2026 EOY Harvest Report, you help the conference leadership celebrate what God is doing in your midst, understand the needs of your congregation, and provide resources and support to strengthen your ministry.


Every church in the Trinity Conference is asked to submit its report by January 31, 2027.

In order to help you prepare, we have created an optional worksheet, linked below, which lets you preview the questions and gather your information in advance. Note that this worksheet is for reference only; all reports must be submitted through the online form.

When you are ready to submit your information, click the link below. This online form allows you to save your progress and return later. When possible, however, we recommend completing and submitting it in one sitting to help ensure your finished report is received.

Questions? Email: connect@trinitygmc.org

Pray For Our Pastors November 7

Calling all churches! Gather your community and join our Conference Prayer Team online on November 7th from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. as we discuss and practice Praying for our Pastors.  This will be a time of learning, fellowship, and practice.

It is not necessary for all attending to register. We just need the name and contact information for the person organizing your group so we can communicate instructions to you ahead of time. 

Questions can be directed to: prayer@trinitygmc.org

Rise Up Camp Church Info Meeting This Sunday

Would you like to know more about Rise Up Camp 2027? We invite pastors, ministry leaders, finance staff, and volunteers serving as their church’s camp contact to join us for a church informational meeting on Zoom from 3 to 5 p.m. this Sunday, November 1.

In order to equip your church with camp details before Rise Up Camp 2027 registration opens January 1, 2027, we plan to review registration, walk through the church guide, and answer your questions so you can plan ahead with confidence.

Please take two action items today:


1. Mark your calendar for November 1 from 3–5 p.m.
   
2. Complete the Church Information Form. It takes about three minutes. Zoom details will be sent closer to the meeting to all who complete the form.

If someone else coordinates camp for your church, please share this information with them so they can attend the meeting.

We are looking forward to serving Jesus and our students with you through Rise Up Camp.

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