"Trentville
UMC - The Perfect Church for Imperfect People"
The Church in the Curve
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The Church in the Curve
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Welcome to the Pastor's Page... This is where you will find the Pastor's weekly thoughts about the many different ways that we encounter Christ in our daily lives. You will read about joys, encouragement, sorrows, and other personal observations about how our daily lives intersect with the Kingdom above. May 18, 2006
This
weekend is a very important time in the life of TUMC. We will receive into
our fellowship new creations of Christ! As United Methodists, we will
observe the sacrament of Holy Baptism.
We, as United Methodists, believe in two sacraments -- Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. The Lord Jesus himself blessed these two and asked that we as his followers do the same! Jesus is calling us, as his church, to help him make a difference in the life of people. I thank him everyday for your willingness to "follow Him". May I thank each teacher who has helped lead our children and teach them the many stories of the Risen Christ! We do have a story to tell!! -- Pastor Steve, Story Teller April 27, 2006
What a wonderful time of the
year this is!! This morning the air is fresh after the rain...the birds are
singing...and the rabbits are running...isn't God beautiful to us!!
Many great things are taking place within the hearts and minds of the people at Trentville UMC. Many are finding their gifts through servanthood, teaching, singing, and praying. May I ask you...what is your gift?? Have you found it?? God is wonderful to us and has blessed us beyond anything possible. This week, seek his face and look at the beauty around us and KNOW that HE IS LORD!! It is always spring in the Lord!!
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Pastor Steve April 10, 2006
Well we just finished a great time of Spiritual renewal within the walls of
TUMC. Revival, I must say, was a different experience for me this year.
Being able to set and enjoy, rekindled my fire within me!
Thank you to each one who preached, prayed and sung our week into one of the finest ever at Trentville UMC!! This is Easter , the time we celebrate a risen Jesus who loves us more than we can ever dream!! Jesus is asking each one of us this week..."Do you Love me" I as your pastor also ask you, Do you love him? This is the question we must answer during this Holy Week. Is the Love of Christ shown in me?
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Pastor Steve March 14, 2006We have had a wonderful weekend, starting with our college worship and their faithfulness to the call God has placed upon this church through them. We all must learn that we all struggle in this life and as adults they (our kids) need us! When you get a chance tell them how much you love them and thank them for their effort around Trentville UMC. We are fortunate to have them!! Thank God for all our Kids. Don't forget about the Carter Community Camp Meeting 2006!! Tell all of your friends (and your enemies if you want to live the scriptures) to be there! C'ya, -- PREACHER (Pastor Steve) February 22, 2006Isn't God good?? I feel with all my heart that something good is about to happen here at TUMC! Sunday night, I was with the "Preacher's Prowlers" (Yes, your kids!). The energy they have is beyond words, but in them I saw the moving of our God and His face was shining upon them. Take time to take a close look at the children of Trentville United Methodist Church and tell me what you see! It's certainly worth a look! In His Image,
-- Pastor Steve
February 10, 2006Well winter finally gave us a taste of some cold air. Last week I was walking around in my short sleeves thinking of spring, but I was reminded this week of the harsh reality of winter. The truth is that it is winter and I should expect cold and not the warm spring air! When I worked in our construction business, many days I went expecting to work in the cold and that we did!! When we come to church, we should expect to find something about Jesus. Too many churches are trying to have "church" without Jesus. The reality is we must have Jesus in order to be called a "Church". Sunday morning come expecting to hear from Jesus Christ and see his Power at work! Dress in layers...it may be cold outside, but it could get hot inside!! In Him,
-- Pastor Steve
January 12, 2006
The last 2 weeks has been tough for me...fighting off a sinus infection,
then having to fight a short bout with the flu, plus its also time for those
infamous "end of the year reports". That and meeting with the District
Supt. concerning my appointment at Trentville has made for a wonderful 2006!
The list doesn't stop there. I am also serving on the clergy support team for
Holston Conference (supporting my fellow local pastors) and I went through my
interview process with The Board of Ordained Ministry while I battled with a
sinus infection (not a good thing if you've never tried it!). WOW, WHAT
A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR! It seems to me that the only rest I get is on Sunday
mornings at Trentville!
I thank GOD for allowing me to serve you and for having a church where the preacher isn't "THE "MAIN THANG" on Sunday mornings, but where Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords!! Lets keep "THE MAIN THANG" the Main Thing!! Thanks Again,
-- Pastor Steve
December 20, 2005I would like to say to all the wonderful people of Trentville UMC..."May you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!! I look forward to serving you and watching God perform his work among you. Lets have a GREAT year together in the COMING year. Merry Christmas!! -- Pastor Steve Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide open heart that thinks of others first. The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history, because it has meant the pouring into a sick world of the healing medicine of love which has transformed all manner of hearts for almost two thousand years... Underneath all the bulging bundles is this beating Christmas heart. - George Matthew Adams December 13, 2005
Christmas (not "the
holidays") is right around the corner!! During this season, we are busy
doing what we do... SHOPPING!!!! We are all looking for that perfect
gift and boy what a job that it is when everybody already has all they
need. We sometimes just shop in a panic till the very end and are still
wrapping packages up to the minute we give them.
I want to submit to you to take timeout and give yourself a break from the hassle of this season. Let God have just a few minutes of your time. He has, after all, already given us the greatest gift of all, His Son Jesus Christ!! Sunday morning at Trentville was a highlight of our churches year. I have heard from many of you how the Holy Spirit touched you in such a wonderful way!!! Now let me encourage you let Jesus have all of you and celebrate together in Spirit and Truth. AMEN!!! Merry Christmas!! -- Pastor Steve November 29, 2005
What a
wonderful season we are in!! God has truly blessed TUMC over the last
few weeks. The music has been awesome!!!!!!!! The Spirit has been
moving in the hearts and minds of everyone.
Let's continue in our worship and praise to a wonderful God that loves us even when we may not even love ourselves. It is a experience to see God moving among the people and to see people using their gifts for the glory of the Lord. Remember the names may change but the mission is the same!!! Shalom! -- Pastor Steve November 2, 2005I picked Joey and Ashley up yesterday and it sure was great to see my son!! He gets to come home for a little while. He said that no matter where he is, this will always be home. Are you looking for a home?? Some may have lost their way home. Others may just be too busy to come. During this wonderful season, why don't you take some time to find your way home! Or to find those without a home and give them a new place to feel welcome. You may just find it "refreshing"! See you at God's house this week!! -- Pastor Steve October 21, 2005I went fishing this week and "Oh My" the fish were biting...In one "Fishin' Hole", they just kept biting until we just finally lifted anchor and moved. The next place, we didn't do as well, but we caught a few fish. Trentville folks, the fish are biting!! People are out there that really need the Lord and they are ready to "Bite" if we will just offer the Christ to them!! I am taking a few days off to refuel. I didn't know how tired a 45 year old man can get!! But soon I'll be truckin' harder than ever. Anyway, let's work together to find some fish and offer them the bait!! CYa soon!! -- Pastor Steve
PS: GO HORNETS!!!!!!!!!!
 October 7, 2005Have you seen how many people can get upset in the church so fast?? Why do you suppose it is the church of all places?? The Devil sure knows how, where, and by what means to attack us. For too long, we in the church have allowed Satan to control portions of our church. Not all of us are going to agree on everything...it just isn't possible. We are first, human beings born into a world of sin. Second, we will be fighting this battle of Spirit and flesh until the day we are called home. Third, we are all sinners who have the potential to be saved by the Blood of the Lamb. If you are looking to get mad, it's easy in today's church world. All you have to do is to look around...and you will find something or someone who will upset you. I just wonder why we as a church don't grow...HMMMMMM...and why the lost don't seek the Church. But I think I know what our response must be...It should be our clear goal to reach the lost, put aside ourselves, and give our hearts and minds to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords!! Give a smile today!!! -- Pastor Steve September 30, 2005What a beautiful morning God has blessed us with!! The birds are singing...the air is fresh...and the sunshine (Wow!) is bright. Our lives are filled every day with the Glory of the Lord. We are so blessed to live in such a wonderful part of the world. There are, however, many people who don't have this joy this morning. They are so caught up into "making it" that they forget to look around and see the wonderful world God has made just for them. Many people are simply caught up in a church and it's traditions rather than simply allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us with His overflowing love. Look around and see the Glory of the Lord in your life today!!!
-- Pastor Steve P.S. Congrats to the Trentville softball team and their coach, T.J. Smith, on their first victory of the year. What a shocker!! September 21, 2005Praise God for His wondrous love towards us!! I listened Sunday night to the choir and was filled with awe at the work that God is doing within this building. I heard not just the voice of several people, but of one church who love the Lord with all their hearts. Thank you for making my evening one of the most enjoyable ever as your pastor. There is much more to do...will you give God a part of you?? With heart ablaze, -- Pastor Steve September 14, 2005God's Grace has been, and always will be, the central theme of everything we do here at Trentville UMC. I want to ask you... have you looked around your church lately? Folks, over the last few months (believe it or not), I have been checking very close upon our growth at TUMC. We are growing at a wonderful pace...steady and sure. Most church "growth experts" say that when a church reaches 80% capacity, you better start planning on the next phase. Eight years ago, God gave me a vision of TUMC, and we are almost there!!!!! I want to stongly encourage you, the church, to look beyond today and plan for tomorrow. It is time for us to step out of the boat and allow the Grace of God to use us!! I will present a plan of action in the weeks ahead, but this isn't about me, but you!!! Is anyone ready to do something Great for God? "Still Love Ya'!! -- Pastor Steve September 7, 2005As many watch the reports this week, there is a sense of anger and hurt for the people of the affected areas. As I pray and search for what the Church must do to help people, I am reminded of the many other ministries that we are doing (Holston home, youth, children, food pantry, Iraqi friends and families, and many others). Trentville folks, we have an opportunity to be a place of refuge for the people around us. This community needs a church where people is what is important. Please don't forget... we owe it all to God and his love for us. "The names may change but the mission is the same"!! "Love Ya'!! -- Pastor Steve September 2, 2005Certainly, everyone's mind is on our brothers and sisters in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. In the coming days, Trentville UMC will be taking a special offering for the affected areas. UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, is a wonderful agency that God truly uses to help people in need. 100% of your money will go to the people in need. I encourage you to help in this time of need. If you need any information, please feel free to contact us at the church. God bless!! -- Pastor Steve August 26, 2005We are on the edge of a "New Day" at Trentville UMC. Many people have taken up the cross and are beginning to be the hands and feet of Christ. I want to say how proud I am of all who may stumble sometimes, but always seem to take hold of the Cross and allow Christ to pull them back up. "Remember...the names may change, but the mission is the same!". Let Christ shine through you!! -- Pastor Steve August 19, 2005This has been a challenging few weeks...I had just returned from the hallowed grounds of the seminary at Duke University for the last time, finding all of my mail (personal and church related) PILED on my bed (Thank you, Matt!), learning that we might be losing our Youth Pastor, who is almost like a son to me, to a new calling...it was a pretty heavy burden. Change isn't easy for me, either. But it is necessary in the Kingdom of God!! So, we move on to a new day. Within my heart, the fire burns deep. The mission of this church can and must go on!! So the challenge is before us, and with God's help, we will never fail!! Are you ready to do something great for God?? If so, the time is right for you to offer your gifts to His service!! Come talk to me... -- Pastor Steve
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