CHALLENGED BY GOD'S LOVE

“May others know we are Christ's Disciples by how we love." John 13:34-35

Annual Business Meeting, Page 6 Missions at Ministry, page 13 Hosting National Boomer Conference, page 15 September 2015, Volume 66 No. 9 www.trinitybaptist.org | 319 E Mulberry, San Antonio, TX 78212 | (210) 733-6201

In This Issue DURING THE WEEK Pastoral Reflections ............................................. 2 New Sermon Series ............................................. 3 Music & Worship Arts ............................................. 4-5 From the Church Administrator ............................................. 6

Mulberry Offices Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm TriPoint Office Hours: Monday-Friday 7am-9pm Saturday 7am-6pm Sunday Closed (Open for Crossings Service) Alpha Home Hours: Monday-Friday | 8am-5pm Prayer Room Prayer Line Available 24/7: Call 738-PRAY (7729)

EVERY WEEKDAY

TUESDAYS

Annual Business Meeting ............................................. 6

-7am–6:15pm Hearthstone Xpress @ -12pm Games and Pot Luck—CLC GRACE Bakery Cafe & Coffee open Grand Room (for youthful older (Saturdays, 8am–4pm) adults)

Children’s Ministry ............................................. 7-8

-9:30am Meals on Wheels

Student Ministry ............................................. 9-10 Young Adult Ministry ............................................. 11 Outreach ............................................. 12 Missions ............................................. 13 Faith Family Night ............................................. 14 Older Adult Ministry ............................................. 15 Fall Small Groups ............................................. 16 Invitation from Deacons ............................................. 17 Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner ............................................. 18 Estate Planning 101 ............................................. 19

SUNDAYS—MULBERRY CAMPUS -8:30am Prayer Time for TBC Deacon’s Room -9am Sunday School/Bible Study (all ages) -9-10am TBC4U—McCarty Conference Room (one-time get acquainted class) -9–11:30am Library open -10:15am* Worship SUNDAYS—TRIPOINT CAMPUS -10:30am Gathering

Living Legend ............................................. 20

-10:45am* Crossings Worship Kidz CROSSINGS & Little Tikez CROSSINGS

Member Information ............................................. 21-22

MONDAYS

Prayer Ministry ............................................. 23

-9am Sew and Sow—Ruble Center

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-5:30pm Step Aerobics—CLC 201/203 -6pm Prayer Group—Chapel -7pm Art League—CLC 110/115 (2nd Tuesday) WEDNESDAYS -5pm Faith Family Night (begins August 26, see page 3) THURSDAYS -2pm Praising, Stitching And Loving Ministry—TriPoint (3rd Thursday) -5:30pm Step Aerobics CLC Room 201/203

PASTORAL REFLECTIONS Reflections While at the Tetons Your call in life sends you on a lifetime of adventure. Care for your call and your life will know joy. Feed your call with curiosity. Shape your call with humility. Strengthen your call with boldness. Fulfill your call with obedience. Your call is God's channel by which His purposes are revealed to you. Your call stirs awe within you for what God is wanting to do through you. Occasional fear is a sign that your call is growing you to the next level. Don't resist. Your abilities will catch up where your call leads you. In those life changing moments, turn your fear into faith and your faith into faithfulness. The God of your call will see you through.

Pastor Les

Pastor Les will deliver the Convocation message this Thursday (9/3) at Hardin Simmons University in Abilene. Please pray for him as he challenges the university to pursue God's best in the new school year.

Beginning September 16th, we launch a spiritual experience for the business community. Every Wednesday, Pastor Les Hollon, PhD will teach a noon to 1:00 Bible Study at TriPoint. Our life stories will be connected with the biblical story. A simple lunch will be offered along with friendly conversations and a look at Scripture for life application. Each week we will explore 21st century lessons from the book of Proverbs and Jesus’ teachings. Invite your friends and co-workers to join you for this fun adventure. Also each week a San Antonio leader will briefly share how faith helps him/her to live and lead. September 16: “Leading From Where You Are” - Proverbs 1 Community Leader: Lyndon Herridge, CEO of the United Way of San Antonio & Bexar County September 23: “Making Every Day Count: Grace & Accountability” - Proverbs 2 Community Leader: Sandy Morander, CEO of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio September 30: “Connecting Your Leadership To Who You Are” - Proverbs 3 Community Leader: Cody Knowlton, CEO of the Baptist Health Foundation

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My sermon messages for the Fall will come from the Psalms and our life. Psalms is God's richly diverse treasure book for people who are pursuing their life as a faith journey. Hope & despair, joy & anger, praise & grief, godliness & sinfulness, wisdom & foolishness, questions & answers are highlighted in a way that better helps us to understand who we are in light of God. Each message will focus on how God's presence & promises speak to the pressing needs of our life. While we will be connecting with many cherished passages from throughout the Psalms and New Testament, I will be focusing on Psalms 120-134. This section is called "Songs of Ascents". They were sung by boys, girls, men, and women who were on a faith journey to connect with God as they prepared to worship. These 15 psalms give us good footing by which to explore all of God's promises in the Bible's longest book (150 chapters). Along with prayerfully reading to explore who you are in light of these psalms, I encourage you to read Eugene Peterson's insightful book on Psalms 120-134, "A Long Obedience In The Same Direction: Discipleship In An Instant Society". Peterson, as you will recall, made a very popular Bible translation, "The Message". We are buying 100 copies in bulk for those who want to purchase a copy. (Also some of you will find helpful for digging deeper, Walter Brueggerman's little gem, "Spirituality Of The Psalms." Be ready to sing from your heart as you experience God in this sermon series. As the psalmist wrote, "those who sow in tears will reap in songs of joy." (Psalm 126:5) September 6 "Looking For God? Finding God's Help!" Psalms 120-121

October 4 "Are You Working In Vain? Building To Last!" Psalms 127-128

September 13 "Searching For Happiness? Finding Happiness In All The Right Places!" Psalm 122 (Christopher Mack preaching for both services)

October 11 "What Is Your Hope? Hope That Is Real!" Psalms 129-130

September 20 "Mercy Me? Living In The Heart Of God's Mercies!" Psalms 123-124 September 27 "Is Your Heart Singing? Singing God's Tune For You!" Psalms 125-126

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October 18 "Who & What Runs Your Life? The Spiritual Leadership Difference !" Psalms 131-132 October 25 "How Are Your Relationships? Syncing With Each Other!" Psalms 133-134

Pastor Les

WORDS OF WISDOM Donn Wisdom, Minister of Music and Worship Arts

Jo Joyce joins me in offering our sincere thanks for our congregation’s prayerful support during my recent surgery on August 4. Thank you for your thoughtful verbal expressions, cards, emails and texts of concern and prayer. While two surgeries within 4 months has slowed me down a bit, God’s presence has worked in my physical and spiritual life through His Spirit and your care. The love and faith we share are strong…Donn Wisdom

Preschool and Children’s Choirs enjoyed a great western “Round-Up” on August 26 to begin their exciting year of MOO-SIC! Now…all music groups begin rehearsals in September: Preschool and Children’s Choirs – Wednesdays, 6-6:45pm in the Children’s Center Music Friends (preschool 4’s-5’s) – Room 114 Music Makers (grades 1-3) – Room 201 Young Musicians (grades 4-6) – Room 202 Trinity Singers (youth 7-12) – Wednesdays, 6:6:45pm in E252 Trinity Chorale (adults) – Wednesdays, 7-8:30pm Trinity Orchestra (youth and adults) – Sundays, 8:15am when playing in worship All music groups will be enrolling throughout September with special preparations beginning for the holiday music in December. Please note the following early opportunities – join us! Trinity Chorale Annual Fall Retreat – Saturday, October 3, 8:30am – 2pm Any adults desiring just to sing for the December presentations are welcome at the Retreat. Young Musicians Retreat and Bowling – Saturday, October 17, 4-8pm

September 18th at the Mulberry Campus

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“Big Brother” Taddy Schmitt, Crossings Music Leader You might have found out already, but our little boy Bastian will be a big brother come February 2016. Yes! We are pregnant and looking forward to meeting the new addition to our family. Thanks for praying for us and with us! A few updates regarding Crossings are that we have finished fixing and reinforcing the stage at Tripoint and now we even have some improvements like new carpet and a moveable drum riser. It looks great! Also, please mark your Calendar for the upcoming SOAK Worship Nights on Friday, September 4th and Friday, November 20th. Would you consider inviting a friend or a co-worker? Maybe someone that you know is going through a hard time? My prayer is that those worship nights will be times of encountering God as we know that in the presence of God, there is freedom, healing, forgiveness and joy. If you can’t make it, please pray with us for life changing nights!

SUNDAYS AT 10:45AM | TRIPOINT | 3233 N. ST. MARY'S Crossings is a contemporary worship service of Trinity Baptist Church.

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The Beginning of a New Year Matthew Dillingham, Church Administrator

It continues to be an exciting time here at Trinity as we prepare to begin a new fiscal year. As you can recall from our Town Hall meeting in August our staff presented a draft of the 2015-2016 Ministry Plan that provided the vision and goals for the upcoming year. On September 27th, we will have our Annual Business Meeting where we will present the final Ministry Plan and budget and provide further details regarding the mission of Trinity for the year ahead. I recently came across Jeremiah 29:11-13 and reflected on the promise of God and new beginnings. We certainly are not Babylonian exiles taken from Jerusalem but we are a people who continually encounter the same God that had a plan and a direction for these exiles upon their release. Through the grace of God we have a freedom to go to the Lord and seek His plans for us, and the Ministry Plan is what we, as the staff, believe to be God's plan for Trinity. We believe God still hears us today when we seek Him and pray to Him, and through this we have the hope that only He can give and a future that only He can promise. We sought the Lord through the

development of the budget and Ministry Plan for 2015-16 and through affirmation at the August Town Hall meeting believe that God is affirming the plan that we have set forth. I ask you to not only join us this September 27th at the Annual Business Meeting to vote on the ministry plan and budget but to also join us this upcoming year as we take God's plan for Trinity to reach our community and the world. In this upcoming year we plan on seeking God with all that we are in order to grow His kingdom here on Earth.

11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. - Jeremiah 29:11-13

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Debbie Potter, Minister of Children

Exciting Days The children's ministry just completed a wonderful summer. The last event was Vacation Bible School which ministered to 200 children and families. As children learned about the wonders of science they also became aware of God's presence in everything. It was a fabulous week. We were so blessed to have many adults and youth volunteering so that every child was loved and cared for. During the week the children were told about orphans in Guatemala and were encouraged to bring shoes for them. 95 pairs of shoes will be going to Buckner International Shoes for Orphan Souls from Trinity's children. The summer began with preteen camp followed by Art Camp, then The Amazing Race leading right into Upward And Superhero Camp and then right into VBS. Through all of these ministries we were able to reach out to 298 children this summer! Praise God for what He has done. It is a great way to begin the Fall season. Thank you, Trinity, for continuing to support ministry to children and their families. Lives were touched this summer and will continue to be as we move into this next part of the year! Exciting days are ahead.

Become a Volunteer Today! Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities: Sunday School: Every Sunday, 8:45-10:00am Worship Care: Once every 8 weeks, 10:00-11:15pm Kid’s Crossings: Once every 8 weeks, 10:30am-12:15pm Visit trinitybaptist.org/enlistment-screening

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It’s just about that time!!! Parents Day out will be starting soon. First day of school is September 8th. Our classes are filling up fast, and our enrollment this year already excedes every previous year!! We are so excited!!! Join us in praying for PDO. May God use us for His glory and purpose. God’s many Blessings, Kay Polanco PDO Director

Volunteer Spotlight My husband and I joined officially as members in 2011. I was baptized by Pastor Les on April 1, 2012. We commute from Castroville every week because God made it clear to us that Trinity was our church home. I am so grateful for the children's Ministry because of the village of wonderful people there who are helping us raise our children in a Christ-centered manner. I am also so grateful that while they are in such wonderful care, Benny and I have the opportunity to worship in our small group class Sunday mornings. The members of our class have become family and are true mentors to us in our spiritual growth. Giving back and serving by volunteering in the children's center is an honor and privilege. -Lori Krieger

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STUDENT MINISTRY Dara Ake, Minister of Students

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Meet the New Associate Student Minister! Hello, my name is Ethan Getrost, I was born in April of 1991, and I grew up in San Antonio. I grew up in a Christian household who went to church every time the doors were open. My mother has worked in the church my whole life, and my father is a private investigator here in San Antonio. I am a diehard Spurs fan and that will never change. Go Spurs Go!! I am engaged to be married to the most gorgeous lady in the entire world! Her name is Melissa Smith, and she is from Belton, TX. She is excited to be in San Antonio and to follow the call God has put on her life. My call to ministry came at summer camp my 8th grade year, which is relatively young to surrender to vocational ministry, but, I knew what God was doing in my life meant a lifelong calling. I surrendered to youth ministry that night, and the rest of my life would never be the same. That September my life was wrecked. After 25 years of marriage, my parents divorced. My whole family

was devastated, especially my brother and myself. Words cannot describe the next years of my life. Up and down battles and struggles that led to sin, struggling relationships with everyone I knew. Life just seemed too difficult. God broke through the darkness and took ahold of me and reminded me that the calling to be a minister for His kingdom was still on my life. I served in Killeen, TX for three years and in Malakoff, TX for one year and I am so excited to be here at Trinity, in my hometown to minister to students. I am pumped at the opportunity to share life with these students and point them to the cross in every area of their life. Sometimes, we make mistakes that seem, at that time, like there is no turning back. Through my own life I have felt that way, but God is a sovereign God whose glory shines through the pain. Students today, I feel, experience darkness everywhere they are. God’s glory must shine through it all.

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Circling The Desert Places Christopher Mack, Minister of Young Adults

Recently, I watched an indie movie about the themes of faith, identity, immigration, and journey. In the film, the lead character has lost her way and is roaming without water, food, friends, or protection in the west Texas desert. There’s this heart wrenching moment when she realizes she has passed the same geographical landmark again. She has fled one home, and it seems uncertain if she’ll ever find another. Many of us carry a similar spiritual pilgrimage inside of us. Maybe it was a long slow slide out of a place that once felt like a spiritual home, but more and more it became foreign to you. Perhaps it was a sudden realization that you could no longer live this way, or participate in this anymore… so you fled. When I talk to people outside of the faith they often tell me what they were. They say things like, “I used to be walking with the Lord” or “I was raised in the church.” It’s a drama where the first act has clearly come to a close, but what shape, if any, the next act is taking seems uncertain.

Increasingly, I find myself in conversations with people who found the faith they were living had become confining, inauthentic or untenable. For them, faith was like the instrument they took lessons in for a few years growing up. Slowly they lost their passion or interest for it, and eventually it was sold in a garage sale. I meet a lot of people who can tell me happy memories of faith from another period in their lives, but have lost sight for how faith can be meaningful in this period of life. In my experience, life is a circuitous journey. As we wander through the wilderness we find ourselves passing by the same jagged rocks, scrawny bushes, and barren valleys over and over again. Growth is meeting those ‘harsh terrains' with God's grace and awareness, rather than our self-judgment and evasion. As we do, the place of our trial becomes the place of our transformation. Carl Jung said, “the greatest and most important problems of life are all… insoluble…. They can never be solved, but only outgrown.” This outgrowing is our spiritual work in partnership with the Triune God.

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Wandering In The Wilderness: Great Convergence Faith for Spiritual Refugees Young Adult Small Group on Wednesday nights at 6pm

Are you a refugee in the spiritual life? At some point many feel alienated or estranged from their native spiritual traditions. They are drawn “out in the wilderness” to find a new way beyond entrenched labels or ruts of traditionalism. In the wilderness, refugees will seek to find common ground and work to reconstruct a movable “tabernacle” in which to meet God, each other, and the world, as they make their way to a land of Promise. In this new faith context, spirituality and justice ignite each other, faith and doubt are both treated as allies in the pursuit of truth, and the Holy Spirit is experienced as God’s “still speaking” voice in our world.

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“YOU are the Light of the World.” Well, how did WE do on your evaluation of TBC ‘through a guest’s eyes’? (July/August Trumpet’s Outreach Article on “Evaluating Your Church’s Welcome”.) Do-ya-wanna come back next week?! Hope so! Here’s what I see at our church on a typical Sunday morning: 8. Nope, we don’t give out guest badges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +0 points But we recognize them during the service as they remain seated. (and hopefully, again, at the close of service by those members around them.)

And YES, our members wear nametags!!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +5 points (You can order one if you’ve lost yours or need a new one! Only $7 each! Order Envelopes are available in SS’s, Welcome Center and Reception area. Again, so many guests have commented how helpful these are to them. Fyi: every new member of TBC gets a complimentary nametag to wear proudly!)

9. Yes, our guests are always encouraged to fill out a guest slip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +10 points (our guest slips in the bulletins & all of the other pew rack information are so tastefully presented & easy to fill out.)

10. And, yes, our guests are welcomed during the service by our pastoral staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +10 points (Our pastors do such a warm and hospitable job of welcoming our guests! It’s great for them to always be welcomed, invited to TBC4U, and then greeted by our church family, before, during and after the service! So easy to recognize and welcome guests at the reception in the Fanning Foyer after Sanctuary Worship, as well.)

11. I’m sure that other worshippers would speak to our guests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +10 points (if there’s someone nearby that you don’t know, introduce yourself. Either way, member or guest, you’ll meet someone new and that someone new will enjoy meeting YOU! Our guests always talk about TBC friendliness!)

12. I’d figure that once our members learn a guest’s name, they will introduce them to someone else. . . . . . . +10 points (remember, according to a guest survey, it doesn’t matter how deep or long the conversation is, what matters is how many people speak to them! Be one of those people & help others be one, too!)

13. Invited for coffee or refreshments? Hopefully our members invite our guests to join them for coffee before Crossings and for punch & cookies after the Sanctuary service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +10 points 14. Offer to have a tour? Yes, if they come to TBC4U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +10 points (as greeters bring guests down to TBC4U in conference room, they are able to give them a mini-tour along the way. Afterwords, we always walk the guests around, spotlighting SS classes, Wed pm facilities, church offices, prayer room, library, and children’s building as we walk them up and/or out for worship.)

These are the findings of the 2nd part of the evaluation! So far, we’ve scored 120 points out of a possible 135. Great job, Trinity!! We’ll compare numbers 15-20 in the October Trumpet with a wrap-up of all 20 questions. Until then, keep observing ‘through a guest’s eyes’ and keep responding ‘through a member’s love’! Guest or Member, makes no difference with our being that ‘caring family of believers’! God loves us all and made us all. Share His Love with everyone you meet and greet….at TBC, at work, at school, at home. The Golden Rule is always applicable and appropriate: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. No evaluation is more important than that! And when we follow that Rule, no evaluation is necessary!

These are exciting times at Trinity. The Lord is at Work in this Place. Spread the Word! “Let YOUR Light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

2014-2015 TBC Outreach Team

September Outreach Opportunities: September Sign-Up for Amazing Ladies’ Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner Small Groups, beginning Sept. 2 Soak Musical Worship @ TriPoint, Sept. 4th Invite your Friends, Family and Neighbors!

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Let’s explore. Let’s make a prayerful trip. Connecting what’s going on in our lives to God’s promises is when faith comes alive. Prayer is the connector. We will travel through the Bible to learn what the greats and not so greats have to teach us about prayer. We will pay attention to what’s happening in our world and in our hearts. We will step into God’s presence with awe and wonder. Let’s travel together each Wednesday evening. For 60 minutes or so we will explore prayer by praying, learning by doing. We begin this month on August 26th. We will be in the dining room since our service immediately follows our dinner, table talk, and celebration of people’s birthdays and anniversaries. A few years ago I contributed to a book on prayer; It (copies will be available) and the Bible will be our resource books. The following schedule will get us started for 2015: 8/26 9/2 9/9 9/16 9/23 9/30 10/7 10/14

“Overview: What Are The 100 Ways To Pray?” “Basics: The Building Blocks Of A Praying Life” “Praying With Our Eyes Closed - Awakening” “Praying With Our Eyes Open - Action” “Praying With Our Eyes Focused - Actualization” “Praying Early In The Morning & Late At Night” “Praying For Others & Ourselves” “Praying Before Meals”

10/21 10/28 11/4 11/11 11/18 11/25 12/2 12/9

“Praying & Meditation, Part I” “Praying & Meditation, Part II” “Praying, Yoga & Working Out” “Praying The Lord’s Prayer” “Praying The Psalms” “Praying At Thanksgiving” “Praying For Our World” “Praying Through Our Fears”

We can pray WHEN: happy or sad, glad or mad; early in the morning or late at night; driving during rush hour or walking in the woods; life seems the pits or its high 5 thank you God time;

We can pray WHEN: studying the Bible or cramming for a test; you're being gossiped about or wearing a crown; the I dos are spoken or the IOUs come due; kneeling at home or standing in a crowd;

We can pray WHEN: in the middle of worship or during a date; recovering from a fall or reaching the summit; you know what's going on or haven't a clue; you're laughing out loud or crying within;

We can pray WHEN: hoping for a cure or knowing you're healed; the kids are young or their dreams are grown; our desires are dashed or promises kept; God is near or Emmanuel is crucified.

WHEN to pray was best said by Paul, "always". And always we can know that God knows us.

Pastor Les

More about Faith Family Night... 5-6:15pm, Dinner Is Served. Cost: $5.00 for adults / $3.50 for children 12 & under 6-7:30pm, Children’s Choir and Program 6-7:45pm, Youth Choir and Bible Study 6-7:30pm, Pastor’s Bible Study 7pm, Adult Choir Rehearsal

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ARE WE READY FOR THE BABY BOOMER WAVE? Vicki Hollon, Minister of Older Adults According to the Pew Research Center, Baby Boomers are turning 65 at the rate of 10,000 per day, and will continue to do so for the next 18 years. This information raises some important questions for us as a church, including, are we ready for this cultural shift? And how can we most effectively and meaningfully engage Boomers within Trinity and those outside the church? What we know from the research is that Boomers now in their 60s and 70s are experiencing increased demands. Whether full or part-time, they are staying longer in the labor force. They are caring for or even raising grandchildren, some are still caring for parents, while providing support for children not yet secure in the labor force. When they are free, many are anxious to make up for lost time by traveling as much as possible to see family - or the world. Boomers are busy! The good news is that in a recent Pew Report, two-thirds of adults ages 65 and older said that religion is very important to them. One-third of adults ages 65

and older say religion has grown more important to them over the course of their lives. We (Trinity Baptist) have a core mission that is very important for many Boomers. As George Young, Trinity’s Minister to Older Adults from 2000 – 2009 frequently said, Trinity older adults basically fit into 3 categories: the “no-go”, the “slow-go” and the “go-go” and that is still true! However, because many of our Baby Boomer/younger Older Adults are living at a “go-go” pace, this doesn’t mean that they have time for a week-long trip to Branson, Missouri. We have to rethink what it means to minister to and with our Trinity younger older adults, as well as how we can develop “attractional” ministry for those outside the church. I hope you will join me for some or all of the National Boomer Conference that we will host September 9-11 here at Trinity. Come and learn about the Boomer Wave and help us rethink ministry with younger older adults. For more information about how to register see the promotion below. In His Love, Vicki

Wednesday, Sept. 9, 9am-3pm Thursday, Sept. 10, 9am-3pm Friday, Sept. 11, 9am - noon Trinity Baptist Church, Mulberry Campus

Keynote Speakers: David Kinnaman, CEO, Barna Dr. Tim Jennings, “The Aging Brain” Dr. Amy Hanson, “Ministry to Boomers and Senior Adults in the New Millennium” Dr. Don Newbury, Former President, Howard Payne University Details including online registration are at www.texasbaptists.org/boomers

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The following Small Groups will meet weekly on Wednesday evenings beginning Sept. 2nd, 6-7:30pm, on the Mulberry Campus: All the Places to Go, How Will You Know? (Written by John Ortberg) | Co-Led by Carol John and Rose and Joe Guttierrez | Rm 313 -This study for men and

women of all ages will help participants address questions such as “How to Recognize Divine Opportunities”, “How Do I Decide Which Door to Walk Through?”, “Why God Leaves Some Doors Closed”, and more.

Life After Loss | Led by Karion Krieger | Rm 309

This group is for anyone who has lost a loved one to death in the last several years. With the support of others, you will learn what to expect and techniques to help you cope through the grief process.

Financial Peace University (by Dave Ramsey) | Led by Dave Ballard | Rm 307 -Connect with men and

women, singles and couples, utilizing Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. This is a "biblically based curriculum that teaches people how to handle money God’s ways.”

Mom to Mom | Led by Barbara Bach, Carol Lecholop, and Susie Marett | CLC Grand Rm, Mulberry -Connect with other mothers through this Biblically based parenting program, which uses video and small group discussion to develop new parenting skills and build relationships.

Band of Brothers |Led by Karl Schank and Pat Nolan | Rm 303-305 -This men's small group will continue its

study of the book of Romans. While the study is ongoing, all are welcome to join us in the study.

Circle of Sisters | Led by Rhonda Jones and Sue Schank | Rm 301, Mulberry -This women’s group will

Other weekday Small Group opportunities include: Seekers and New Believers Group Tuesdays, Oct 13th – Nov 17th | 5:30-7:00pm TriPoint Conf Rm 1 | Led by Mary Osbourne, Paul Hoodless, and John Hale -This group is for men and

women who want to explore the foundations of the Christian faith. A light meal will be provided. (Each session stands alone; come for one or all sessions.) Childcare will be provided through Kidz Corner in the Hub at TriPoint.

A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place Begins Monday, Sept. 14th | 9:30 - 11:30 | Rm 301 Led by Laurie Bracher -This women’s group will

explore the fascinating account of the building of the Old Testament tabernacle, its pivotal role in God's eternal plan, the grand fulfillment of its purpose by Jesus Christ, and its variety of meanings for your walk with God today.

YOUR LIFE DIRECTION: A Study in the Psalms of Ascent | Begins Wednesday, Sept. 2nd | 7:15–8am TriPoint | Led by Pastor Les and Patrick Gahan Come connect with other men and women to study these Psalms. Each week we will focus on one Psalm listening to the Spirit, Scripture, and insights from each other.

Living in the Power of the Holy Spirit (Written by Charles Stanley) | Begins Thursday, Sept. 3rd | 7pm 432 Forrest Hill Dr. 78209 (This is a home study) Led by Bob Lodes and Karl Schank -Join us in this

study Twelve Women Of The Bible by Lysa TerKeurst and others. This study will take a look at the spiritual lessons learned from twelve biblical women and their application for life.

men’s book study as we learn how to make the Holy Spirit a reality in our daily spiritual walk.

Wandering In The Wilderness: Young Adult Small Group | Led by Christopher Mack | McCarty Conf Rm, Mulberry - Do you seek a place where spirituality

deep in Bible study and discover more of its relevance for our lives. Choose one of the following times:

and justice ignite each other, faith and doubt partner in pursuing truth, and where God is experience as a “still speaking” voice in our global world? Gather with us in the wilderness to reconstruct a place to meet with God, each other, and the world!

Precepts, A study of Acts and Ezekiel (A Kay Arthur Course) -Connect with other men and women as we go Begins Thursday, Sept. 3rd | 9:30am | McCarty Conf Rm, Mulberry | Led by Fredda Gill Begins September 13th | 3:30pm | McCarty Conf Rm, Mulberry | Led by Sharyel Bradford

To register for a Small Group, call 210-738-7740, or sign up at: http://www.trinitybaptist.org/small-groups

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“Come to Me…” - Matthew 11:28 An Invitation to the Congregation from the Deacon Body These days few things signal a new school year quite like a pristine backpack crammed with supplies and customized in countless ways. To be sure, behind every child donning the new appendage before heading off to class is a weary but exuberant parent who has planned, purchased, organized, prioritized, talked endlessly, and, of course, prayed that all will go well over the next nine months for their budding scholar. Thus, a seminal beginning ensues. Here at Trinity your Deacon leadership is also preparing, in this case for a new era of church life, which begins on October 1, 2015. To be fully prepared for all that God has planned in the coming year, the Deacons are extending an invitation to the entire congregation to participate in some deeply meaningful events and opportunities. We won’t be filling backpacks, but we will be opening our hearts and minds to God in gratitude for His gracious favor throughout the past year, and in anticipation of His direction for 2015-2016. Watch for more details during Faith Sharing in the Sanctuary service and through weekly church bulletins during September. Be sure to mark your calendar now, however for Sanctuary, September 26, 2015, as we join in a day of fasting and praying, which includes prayer walking Trinity’s three campuses. The main sanctuary on Mulberry will be open from 8:00 am-5:00 pm for individual prayer, as an added resource, an updated prayer booklet will be available sometime during September. So as the “new year” approaches, we encourage everyone to pray and fast in the 24 hours preceding our gathering for worship and the church’s Annual Business Meeting on September 27th. In an online devotional, Jim Denison says that, to hear God’s voice, “we need time and space… Others need to hear God’s voice through ours. Our Father longs for time with His children.” We urge you, then, to spend some time on September 26-beyond our usual devotions—in Trinity’s beautiful sanctuary to satisfy God’s longing and our need. “Come to me…,” Jesus implores again and again in Scripture. May it be so!

17.

Dianna Crocker

Interested in getting to know other women at Trinity Baptist Church in a casual dinner setting? The next “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” event is coming up during the week of October 5th!

Sign up for one night (Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday) during that week that you are available to go to someone’s home for dinner. You’ll be assigned to a home with 6-10 other guests and asked to bring a dish to share... but only the hostess will know who else will be there! It’s a great opportunity to meet ladies and make new friends among the Trinity family. Sign up during September to be a guest and/or hostess at the Fanning Foyer Welcome Center and at Crossings, in Sunday Schools, on Wednesday evenings, and on the website at www.trinitybaptist.org.

(The last day to sign up for this “Guess Who Is Coming to Dinner” event will be Sunday, September 27th) For more information, contact Barbara Bach at 492-1874 or Phyllis Patterson at 490-1283.

“Estate Planning 101” Free Workshop Friday, Sept. 25 | Choose one: 3pm or 7pm Room 301, Mulberry Campus Take advantage of this great opportunity to learn from professionals with the Baptist Foundation of Texas about the essentials of planning your estate. This will be a time where you can come and learn about estate planning and speak with experts about your estate and wills. The following day (Saturday, September 26) you may schedule an individual 30-min. session with financial advisors. The Baptist Foundation of Texas is celebrating 85 years of serving Baptist Institutions.

“As a benefit to the Trinity Baptist Church family, estate planning seminars will be held September 25, 3pm or 7pm in room 301 on the Mulberry campus. There will not be a cost associated with the events – THEY ARE FREE. The reasons for the seminars are (1) to introduce our church family to effective estate planning avenues, and (2) to acquaint you with the benefits of legacy giving.” - Larry Kennedy

19.

Pat Crozier Pope was born in Waelder TX, the youngest of seven children. Growing up, she enjoyed an extra measure of love from her grandmother and two aunts who lived close by. There were 16 students in her class at Waelder High School where Pat graduated at age 16. She recalls her homemaking class cooked and served a meal to the Rotary Club every Tuesday. Pat’s job was opening and warming the green beans. She was named Queen of Waelder High School her senior year. After graduation, Pat moved to San Antonio to attend Trinity University where she majored in elementary education and graduated with honors. She met her future husband, Charles W. (Bill) Pope who was attending Trinity University majoring in accounting. After graduation, Charles completed a master’s in accounting at the University of Texas in Austin in one year and later graduated from St. Mary’s University with a law degree. Pat and Charles established a career path which their children and grandchildren followed. Their two daughters, Eloise and Elaine, are teachers in Colleyville and Bastrop and their son, Charles, an architect, owns his firm in San Antonio. Of their nine grandchildren, one is a doctor, two are lawyers, four are teachers, and two are accountants, one with a master’s and one a CPA with a master’s. After the family settled in San Antonio, Charles worked as a CPA and lawyer, and Pat was a stay at home mom supporting her children’s school activities in Cub Scouts, athletics, PTA and room mother. Pat has lived a life of service. She has 5,000 volunteer hours at the Methodist hospital. She also volunteered with the CPA and Bar Auxiliaries and worked at CPA conventions,

mainly with decorations. Her other volunteer activities include the tape ministry at Trinity which is a worldwide service, Vacation Bible School and Sew and Sow, where she made baby pillows and blankets. After her children reached college age, Pat went back to Trinity University where she upgraded her certification to include training in special education. She taught students with learning disabilities for 16 years in the Northeast Independent School District. During that time, she was selected as Teacher of the Year and also received a Human Relations Award. Charles was a volunteer on the Chamber of Aviation Committee where he provided statistical analysis regarding numbers of flights to the area. This volunteer position provided the opportunity to travel when a new flight was inaugurated, and Pat remembers one flight to New Zealand where they became acquainted with Jack LaLanne, the fitness expert and body builder, who was traveling with the group. Charles passed away in 1985, and Pat says her life philosophy now is to enjoy family and friends and eat ice cream after every meal.

20.

Welcome Our New Members!

Mandi Perez by Baptism

Sherry Schulze by Baptism

Carmen Bell by Baptism

Stephanie Carranzae by Baptism Irene Loera by Baptism Christina Dawn Spitler by Baptism Stephanie Carranza by Baptism Becky L Endel by Letter

Ethan C Getrost by Letter

__________________________________

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SEPTEMBER CALENDAR 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fall 2015 Small Groups Begin 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Soak Concert at TriPoint 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Labor Day - Offices will be closed 9-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Boomer Conference 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Habitat for Humanity Build 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Him Concert 18-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alto Frio Fall Work Day 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Estate Planning 101 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Annual Business Meeting

Wi� D�pest Sympa�y Mary Ann Heyland & Family on the death of her husband, Gary Heyland Steve Ochoa & Family on the death of his father, Joseph Ochoa Jodie Wurzbach & Family on the death of her brother, Richard Everett Ross Evelyn Kelly & Family on the death of her stepdaughter, Sharon Pena Family & Friends of Jim Ford Pat Coventry & Family on the death of her Uncle Wayne Killian Family & Friends of Daniel (Dan) Alvarado, Uncle of Brenda Rangel, Executive Assistant to Pastor Les Hollon

TRINITY PRAYER

From the Prayer Ministry

COLOSSIANS 4:2

“O Lord, Thou hast searched me and known me. Thou dost know when I sit down and when I rise up: Thou dost understand my thought from afar. Thou dost scrutinize my path and my lying down, and art intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold O Lord, Thou dost know it all. Thou hast enclosed me behind and before, and laid Thy hand upon me…Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.” Psalm 139 – selected verses. Pray for the Small Groups beginning September 2 for the fall semester. Included in these groups are All the Places to Go, How Will You Know; Life after Loss; Financial Peace University; Mom to Mom; Band of Brothers; Circle of Sisters; , and Young Adult Small Group as well as some Bible studies during the week. These include A Woman’s Heart: God’s Dwelling Place; Your Life Direction: A Study in the Psalms of Ascent; Living in the Power of the Holy Spirit and Precepts, study of Acts and Ezekiel. Use these studies to invite and bring friends. Bring a neighbor or co-worker to participate. (2 Timothy 2:15) Pray for SOAK, a particular time of praise, worship and prayer at TriPoint. It is on Friday, September 4. Pray for many to invite others from the community to attend and experience a special blessing. Pray for excellent attendance and many to be introduced to Trinity perhaps for the first time. (Psalm 150) Pray for the National Boomer Ministry Conference, Catch the Boomer Wave, sponsored by Texas Baptist and hosted by Trinity Baptist. It will be September 9-11. This is an opportunity to encourage, equip and train pastors, ministers, and volunteers who work with baby boomers and/or senior adults. Pray we will be welcoming to those who come. Pray it will be well-attended. And well-received by our members as well. (Psalm 119:9)

Our Pastoral Staff:

D. Leslie Hollon, Ph.D., Senior Pastor Donn Wisdom, Minister of Music & Worship Arts Debbie Potter, Ph.D., Minister of Children

by Pat Coventry, Prayer Ministry Coordinator

Pray for Habitat for Humanity Fall Home Build on Saturday, September 12. Pray for many volunteers to work, pray for the family who will occupy the home and pray the build will go smoothly and quickly. Pray for safety of everyone present. Give thanks for the opportunity to serve in this way. (Psalm 127:1) Pray for 4Him concert to be held at Trinity on September 18. Pray this will be a meaningful outreach event. Pray for a large number to attend. (Psalm 149:1) Pray for Youth and Adult Service Day mission project at Alto Frio on September 18 & 19. Pray the clean -up, fix –up and fellowship will bless each one who attends. Pray many will seek to serve in this way. (Joshua 24:15) Pray for Estate Planning 101 Workshop on September 25. Pray many will take advantage of this opportunity to learn about essentials of estate planning. Pray they will see the value of this workshop and actively put principles into practice. (Matthew 6:21) Pray for the Annual Church Business Meeting, September 27 at noon in large dining room. Pray for a large number of our membership to commit and attend. Pray for a God-led, Christ-centered meeting. Pray for excitement for the coming church year 2015-2016. Give thanks to God for the many ways He has blessed Trinity in the past year. Give thanks for the staff and leadership. Give gratitude for the opportunities and growth we have experienced during this year. (Proverbs 16:3) If you would like information about how you can serve in the Prayer Ministry, please contact Pat Coventry at [email protected]. You will receive a blessing.

Dara Ake, Minister of Students Christopher Mack, Minister of Young Adults Vicki Hollon, D.Min., Minister of Older Adults