Trinity United Methodist Church in Disputanta, Virginia

Hallelujah moments:
1) worship on Resurrection Sunday with 124 present (with 40 for early worship, counting 10 of those able to attend only the early service);
2) delicious breakfast, thanks to Ruby Leonard, Carol Moody, and many others helping;
3) meaningful worship on Maundy Thursday, and quiet time on Good Friday, deeply thankful for the Passion we observe and share;
4) those who serve in my absence, Sandy Bailey Wednesday morning and Rev. Jimmy Taylor this coming Sunday; and
5) blessed time off for Mary Beth and me.

In our prayers for healing: Jean Bishop (at home) and J. E. Bishop as he recovers at St. Mary’s Hospital from successful surgery.

Please support Rev. Taylor as he brings the Good News on Sunday. Scripture: John 20:19-31.

I’ll be back at Trinity Sunday afternoon. Confirmation Class at 5 pm. Adult Class will meet 6:30 to 7:30. Rehearsal for “God’s Surprising Choices” will follow at 7:30. Children’s Choir in the Sanctuary at 6:30, and “Jesus and Me” Youth Group in the Fellowship Hall, Bible Adventure Club for younger children and Active Christian ‘Tweens in their own rooms after Choir.

The Staff Parish Relations Team will meet Monday, April 16. Joe Smith is the Chair. Members include Charlene Hauck, Marvin Blick, Larry Hayes, Kaitlyn Nikolaisen, Karen Owens, Jessica McAllister, Josh Matthews, Sandy Bailey, J. B. Brown and Joe Simmons.

The Richmond Symphony and Chorus will join hundreds of additional musicians, both instrumentalists and singers, and a large children’s choir, for Mahler’s 8th Symphony. “Symphony for Thousands”). Performances are in Williamsburg May 26 and Norfolk on May 27, Pentecost Sunday.

Ushers in April: Joe Simmons, Bill Young, Jerry Moody and Joe Smith. Altar Guild: Janet Reames. Greeters: Ruby Leonard and Jacqui Simmons. Counters for April: Phyllis Warren and Carol Moody. Children are invited to remain with their parents for Easter Sunday worship. Rollaway Club in April: Sonny Warren.

Send news and prayer updates to robert.blinn@trinitydisputanta.org. See you on Sunday!

Meaningful moments in praise:
1) feeling the power of sacrificial self-giving seen so clearly in our Lord Jesus Christ;
2) a gift of beautiful pottery communion chalices and plate for Mary Beth’s church from our daughter, Anna;
3) the music of Mahler in rehearsal (“Come, Creator Spirit”);
3) worship on Sunday with 72 present; and
4) answered prayers for Frank Coumes (Bob and Charlene Hauck’s son-in-law) and safe travels for Sonny and Phyllis Warren.

In our prayers for healing: Fay Osmundson (Sylvia Massey’s aunt); Bob Ealey and family (Walter Massey’s brother-in-law); Conner Hauck (Bob and Charlene’s grandson); Kathleen Ryan (church neighbor); Julia Dillard (Colonial Heights Rehabilitation); Bill Brockwell; Spencer Rolley (Al and Wilda’s grandson); and Jean and J. E. Bishop. For God’s gracious care, the family losing a home to fire on Mica Drive.

Check out our church’s web page at www.trinitydisputanta.org. Please let me know of ideas to improve this outreach tool.

The final Prince George Lenten Service and Lunch is at Bethlehem Congregational on March 29. This has been a fruitful season with our county Christians.

Our Lord is celebrated in both sign and ancient Scriptural praise as he enters Jerusalem this Sunday. Read Mark 11:1-11. Palm Sunday begins Holy Week, which continues with Maundy Thursday Communion Service at 7 pm on April 5. The first service of Easter will be at 8:30 am Sunday, April 8.

Sunday evenings at 6:30 are for the whole family. Children’s Choir in the Sanctuary and “Jesus and Me” Youth Group in the Fellowship Hall, Bible Adventure Club for younger children and Active Christian ‘Tweens in their own rooms after Choir, and “The Revelation” to John with me and adults in the Bible Class. This week, Chapter 14. Jump into any class and you will be warmly welcomed and easily be brought up to speed.

The Richmond Symphony and Chorus will join hundreds of additional musicians, both instrumentalists and singers, and a large children’s choir, for Mahler’s 8th Symphony. Performances are in Williamsburg May 26 and Norfolk on May 27, Pentecost Sunday.

Ushers in April: Joe Simmons, Bill Young, Jerry Moody and Joe Smith. Altar Guild: Janet Reames. Greeters: Ruby Leonard and Jacqui Simmons. Counters for April: Phyllis Warren and Carol Moody. Nursery workers will be contacted by Julie Brockwell. Rollaway Club in April: Sonny Warren.

Send news and prayer updates to robert.blinn@trinitydisputanta.org. See you on Sunday!

Meaningful moments in praise (abstaining from “Hallelujah” until Resurrection Sunday): 1) sunny days, gentle rain; birds praise with our refrain;
2) worship on Sunday with 67 present including six visitors;
3) answered prayers for Joyce Mueller (Sandy Bailey’s aunt) and Mark Hancock (Marvin Blick’s nephew);
4) volunteers for both Nursery Staff and Grass Cutters—thanks! and
5) welcoming Mike and Angie Pond, transferring their professing membership on March 11, and their son, Phillip, as a baptized member (9410 Springfield Dr., Disputanta, 308-4081).

In our prayers for healing: Robbie Robertson (Joe Smith’s friend) and George Madison (Rev. Doris Madison’s husband. Doris is the pastor of Magnolia UMC in Suffolk).

Check out our church’s web page at www.trinitydisputanta.org. Please let me know of your ideas to improve this outreach tool.

The final Prince George Lenten Service and Lunch is at Bethlehem Congregational on March 29—no service on March 22. Enjoy lunch and prayers with family and friends.

Our Lord was painfully aware of what lay ahead, but invited us to come along for both the pain and the glory. Read John 12:20-33.

The United Methodist Men will meet on Sunday morning at 9 am. Come for a time of sharing strengths and shouldering one another’s burdens.

Sunday evening at 6:30 is for the whole family. Children’s Choir in the Sanctuary and “Jesus and Me” Youth Group in the Fellowship Hall, Bible Adventure Club for younger children and Active Christian ‘Tweens in their own rooms after Choir, and The Revelation to John with me and other adults in the Bible Class. This week, Chapter 13.

Ushers in March: Walter Massey, Joey Powers, Jimmy Brockwell and John Leonard. Altar Guild: Linda Brown. Counters for March: Carole Dralle and Theresa Simmons. Nursery workers will be contacted by Julie Brockwell. Rollaway Club in March: John Leonard.

Send news and prayer updates to robert.blinn@trinitydisputanta.org. See you on Sunday!

Meaningful moments (abstaining from “Hallelujah” during Lent): 1) pride in our church for the Tomko Service reception on Saturday and the Lenten Lunch here today; 2) worship on Sunday with 62 present; 3) early Spring sunshine, showers, flowers, and now long-lasting days; and 4) answered prayers for Pam Phillingame (Al and Wilda Rolley’s daughter), good test results for several folks, Nancy Enoch (Julie Brockwell’s friend), Mary Shepperson (Linda Brown’s family) and Carolyn Pool (my aunt, home and feeling better).

In our prayers for healing: Bill Herbert (Mitzi Albert’s son’s best friend). For comfort, the family of Jim Henry (Kathie Vest’s father—Kathie is the wife of James River District Superintendent Rev. Dr. John Vest. This is the third (and final) of the Vest parents to pass, three of them in the last three months. Write them at P. O. Box 3413, Petersburg, VA 23805). Also in our prayers, the family of Mr. Gayle Floyd, a Shriner and a former co-worker of Walter Massey.

The final Prince George Lenten Service and Lunch is at Bethlehem Congregational on March 29—no service on March 22. Good worship, good friends, good food!

Celebrate the Gospel in miniature this Sunday, John 3:16, and live in the light of Christ. Read John 3:14-21.

Sunday morning is “One Great Hour of Sharing,” a special Sunday with offering in The United Methodist Church. With our extra gifts this week, all other gifts for mission work and emergency relief go 100% for the purpose intended. Generosity on One Great Hour of Sharing covers all the overhead and administrative costs for Advance Specials and UMCOR. The gift of giving is my favorite blessing!

Bring the whole family Sunday evening at 6:30 for Children’s Choir in the Sanctuary and “Jesus and Me” Youth Group in the Fellowship Hall, Bible Adventure Club for younger children and Active Christian ‘Tweens in their own rooms after Choir, and The Revelation to John with me and other adults in the Bible Class. This week, Chapter 12.

Everyone is welcome at our bi-monthly Church Council meeting on Monday, March 19, at 7:00 pm. Each ministry team and official ministry group (UM Men, UM Women, UM Youth) should bring or send a report.

Ushers in March: Walter Massey, Joey Powers, Jimmy Brockwell and John Leonard. Altar Guild: Linda Brown. Counters for March: Carole Dralle and Teresa Simmons. Nursery workers will be contacted by Julie Brockwell. Rollaway Club in March: John Leonard.

Contact Julie to volunteer in the Nursery (farmgaljeb@yahoo.com). Yard care has started up again! Contact J.B. Brown to sign up to help (jbrotate@verizon.net).

Send news and prayer updates to robert.blinn@trinitydisputanta.org. See you on Sunday!

Meaningful moments (abstaining from “Hallelujah” during Lent): 1) worship on Sunday with 60 present and many wonderful birthday blessings—thank you all!; 2) gently falling snow on Monday, with sunny days following; and 3) answered prayers for Jerry Moody (feeling better), Fran Partin (Jean Bishop’s niece in OK after rain for her horses’ hay) and Maggie Lewis (John Leonard’s sister, home from rehab).

In our prayers for healing are Sonny Warren, Rev. Jimmy Taylor (Linda Brown’s brother-in-law), Pam Phillingame (Al and Wilda Rolley’s daughter), Joyce Mueller (Sandy Bailey’s aunt), Ernie Holloman (Jerry Moody’s cousin) and Josh Culler (next steps in therapy). For comfort, those losing loved ones in the path of late-winter tornados. For care and guidance, Jamie Bailey and her children Caleb and Ray Anna as they seek a new home and Rev. Dr. John and Kathie Vest as they travel to care for Kathie’s mother, who is ill.

Prince George Lenten Services and Lunches continue at Sacred Heart Catholic on March 8 at noon. We have been invited to Lenten Services at Waverly UMC every Wednesday at noon. Thursday, March 15, is here at Trinity. Come worship with friends from other churches.

The family of Jerry Tomko, late husband of Shelly (Menach) Tomko, will gather for a Service of Death and Resurrection on Saturday, March 10, at 11 am, at our church, with a reception after in the Fellowship Hall.

SET YOUR CLOCKS ONE HOUR FORWARD SATURDAY NIGHT!

Re-focus worship this Sunday on the God-man Jesus Christ, as he cleans the Temple and us. Read John 2:13-22.

This Sunday evening and almost every Sunday starts with Children’s Choir in the Sanctuary and “Jesus and Me” Youth Group in the Fellowship Hall. Bible Adventure Club for younger children and Active Christian ‘Tweens run from 7 to 8 in their own rooms. Join me in the Bible Class at 6:30 for the Revelation to John. This week, read Chapter 11.

Ushers in March: Walter Massey, Joey Powers, Jimmy Brockwell and John Leonard. Altar Guild: Linda Brown. Counters for March: Carole Dralle and Teresa Simmons. Nursery workers will be contacted by Julie Brockwell. Rollaway Club in March: John Leonard.

Meaningful moments (abstaining from “Hallelujah” during Lent): 1) Men in Mission at a church member’s home Tuesday; 2) worship on Sunday with 72 present and our special Children’s Choir; 3) answered prayers for Sonny Warren and Julia Dillard (but keep both on your prayer list); 4) so many loving members and friends journeying through Lent, including a bunch representing Trinity at Sycamore UMC today.

In our prayers for healing: Nancy Enochs (Julie Brockwell’s co-worker); Jerry Moody; Ernest Holloman (Jerry’s cousin); Maggie Lewis (John Leonard’s sister); Angie Powroznick (Joe & Jacqui Simmons’ neighbor); and R.L. Knott (Pattie Arwood’s friend). For comfort, those losing loved ones in the path of late-winter tornados in the Midwest and families with slain and traumatized students near Cleveland, OH. For care and guidance, the Rush Family as parents move to assisted living.

Listen in this Sunday to Jesus speaking openly about cross-bearing love. He wants his human side to be his best-known identity, so that we can follow him more nearly. God’s Word will be from Mark 8:31-38.

The Prince George Lenten Services and Lunches continue at Sacred Heart Catholic on March 8, at noon. Also, we have been invited to Lenten Services at Waverly UMC every Wednesday at noon. Thursday, March 15 we’ll be here at Trinity. I really enjoy worshiping with fellow Christians around the county.

This Sunday evening and almost every Sunday starts with Children’s Choir in the Sanctuary and “Jesus and Me” Youth Group in the Fellowship Hall. Bible Adventure Club for younger children and Active Christian ‘Tweens run from 7 to 8 in their own rooms. Join me in the Bible Class at 6:30 for the Revelation to John. This week, read Chapter 9.

Ushers in March: Walter Massey, Joey Powers, Jimmy Brockwell and John Leonard. Altar Guild: Linda Brown. Counters for March: Carole Dralle and Theresa Simmons. Rollaway Club in March: John Leonard.

Send news and prayer updates to robert.blinn@trinitydisputanta.org. See you on Sunday!