Prevenient Grace has become a staple in United Methodist theology. The “Global Wesleyan Dictionary of Theology” defines Prevenient Grace as a “metaphor referring to God’s reaching love.”1 Prevenient comes from the Latin word praevenire which means ‘to come before’. Therefore, in a Christian’s life, ‘the grace that comes before conversion’ is Prevenient Grace. Augustine once wrote, “Human nature by which each one of us is now born of Adam requires a physician, because it is not healthy. All the good things, which it has by its conception, life, senses, and mind, it has from God, its creator and maker.”2…“Our hearts will not find rest until they find rest in God.”3 As created beings made in the image of our Creator, our deepest longings and most essential part of us longs for a relationship with our Maker. Prevenient Grace is God’s reaching out to us in love even before we become His Children. He desires a relationship with us even more than we desire a relationship with Him. God takes the initiative to seek us out individually. He says through Prevenient Grace that we matter to Him. He loves us. He cares for us. He wants to be in a relationship with us. It is through Prevenient Grace that God tells us that He will take the initiative and seek us out even before we seek Him out. God reaches out to us with His love, even before we know Him. That element of Prevenient Grace came to life for me when I was adopting my son. My wife and I went through many hoops including background checks, fingerprinting, home studies, and more to bring our son home. It dawned on me that we were seeking Noah with our very best without any guarantee that he would love us back. That is how it is with God’s love. “John Wesley framed prevenient (or preventing) grace in reference to the Trinity, as the drawings of the Father, the enlightening of the Son, and the convictions of the Holy Spirit”4 in his sermon entitled Works. In our hymnbook, there is a section of hymns (#337-359) under the heading Prevenient Grace to help us better understand this vital aspect of God’s love to all humanity. For example, in “Where He Leads Me” (#338), the first stanza calls, “I can hear my Savior calling, I can hear my Savior calling, I can hear my Savior calling, ‘Take thy cross and follow, follow Me.’” The ending stanza declaring, “He will give me grace and glory, He will give me grace and glory, He will give me grace and glory, and go with me, with me all the ______1Truesdale, Al (2013). Global Wesleyan Dictionary of Theology, Beacon Hill Press. 2McGrath, Alister E. (1997). The Christian Theology Reader, Blackwell. 3St. Augustine of Hippo (1963). Confessions, Mentor Press. 4Truesdale, Al (2013). Global Wesleyan Dictionary of Theology, Beacon Hill Press.
way. Where He leads me I will follow…” This section also includes the beautiful hymn, “Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore” (#344). The final stanza of that hymn goes, “You, who have fished other oceans, ever longed for by souls who are waiting, my loving friend, as thus you call me. O Lord, with Your eyes You have searched me, and while smiling have spoken my name; now my boat’s left on the shoreline behind me; by Your side I will seek other seas.” Each of these hymns remind us that God seeks us out. He seeks us out with His very best—Jesus—before we invite Him into our lives. He reaches out to us in love without any guarantee that we would love Him back. He does not force us to follow Him. Fortunately, it is in God’s nature to seek us out and work through Prevenient Grace to bring us into a relationship with Him. Rev. Bryan Huffman
please Remember In Prayer:
Out of Town Members: Faye Betz - The Gardens of Pamlico, 22 Magnolia Way, Grantsboro NC 28529 Jo Brown - Cypress Glen, 205 John Wesley Rd., Greenville NC 27858 Sarah Davis - Magnolia Cottage Care, 5643 Hwy. 70, Dover NC 28526 Dot Hardison - Crystal Bluff Rehab, Room 612, 4010 Bridges St., Morehead City NC 28557 Henrietta Proudfoot - Cypress Glen, 301 Francis Asbury Ln., Greenville NC 27858 Maxine Tyndall - Sunrise at North Hills, 615 Spring Forest Rd., #183A, Raleigh NC 27609 Bill & Janice Underseth - Snug Harbor, PO Box 150, Sea Level NC 28577
Church Family Illness/Injury: Nell Cox, Amy Dudley, Amber Fiolek, Cindy & Neal Frazier, Frances Gardner, Mary Lou Guptill, Dot Hardison, Jimmy Hicks, Roland Hill, Paul & Jane Hinckley, Ruth Long, Bob McEnaney, Wanda McLaurin, John Mosley, Beryl Nulph, Jimmy Pope, Leroy Price, Mike & Shanda Prince, Patrick Riggs, Russell & Carolyn Sutton, Laura Sutton, Phil Treadway, Maxine Tyndall, Bill & Janice Underseth, Billy Vestal, Norma & Jack Wygand
Friends and Loved Ones Illness/Injury: Hallie Albertson (Dennis’ Dad), Celeste Arrington, Belaria Barrow, Frances Brown (V. Davis’ Sister), Vickie Fisher (N. Sears’ Daughter), Bill Fiske, James Frazier (C. Goes), Candace Frye (B. Mayo), Jody Furr (Wiley’s Daughter), Dennee Best Griffin (J. Wiley), Jeff Haddock (J. Cox), Freddie Hawkins, Charlotte Henninger (F. & J. Norris), Abraham Hill (M. Wetherington), Tracy Lytle (Brinsons), Paul McDonald (Heather & Wendy’s Dad), Lydia & Ron Moorse (J. Hinckley), Ruth Neary (B. Chesner), Ronald Pate (J. Barrington), Doris Reynolds (Mother of J. Reynolds & C. Croscutt), Roger & Kay Scheeler (J. Norris), Lillian Solby, Cody Thornhill, Bob Ware (Hansens), Clint White (J. Cox’ Friend), Joseph Wiley (deployed), Troy Woolard (Cleve’s Brother), Kim Young (J. Egolf’s Daughter), Mark Zang (TPE Librarian’s Husband)
Emotional Support: Natural Disaster Victims, Our Nation, Our World, The Unemployed I want to thank all of you for your kindness in telling me how much you enjoyed the article in the Sun Journal, your thoughts and prayers for my daughter, Kim, and asking about her health, and for your cards and birthday wishes for my birthday. I greatly appreciate all of these acts of grace and kindness. May God richly bless all of you.
Jerry Egolf
Thank you to all who participated in the Ellie Stockton Circle event “Trinity Goes International”. Especially to those who were part of the entertainment!
“Give Thanks in All Circumstances”
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
This month, I think it is only fitting that I give a shout out to all of the people that have given of their time and service to the various missions through which Trinity supports the community. School will be winding down by the time the June newsletter rolls around so that makes this particularly timely. The hours that we have volunteered at Trent Park Elementary have tended to dominate our activities at times, but there are many other efforts that our members actively support. However, it is the service that we provide at the school that I want to elaborate on and express appreciation for the many hours that were volunteered this past year as well as tell you about some plans for the coming summer. As I have mentioned in the past, this year saw us provide a team of volunteers to teach the hands-on science activities to Kindergarten through Third Grade. We also provided assistance to the Fourth and Fifth Grades on a part-time basis. The team consisted of Norm Fuhr, Frank Norris, Kim Fink, Sara Sanders, and me. Jo Anne Norris has also helped Frank with his classes at times. Without our help, Trent Park Elementary would have had to forego science and if you ask any of us, we would tell you how rewarding it has been. Kim says that she gets much more out of her time with the students than she gives and we all would agree. There are other events at school that received our support and participation. Book Fairs always benefit from many volunteer hours as did the “Reading Across America” activities where volunteers read aloud to students in every grade. The recent Science Night was a grand success largely due to the work of our volunteers assisting the teachers. Vern Davis was once again a big hit with his Madagascar roaches while Frank Norris wowed folks with his dry ice demonstrations. So, I am sincerely grateful to all of you for the substantial work that you have done over at the school this past year. It is paying dividends in the learning experiences for the students and their exposure to new concepts and ideas. With God’s help, we plan on having a space camp for about fifty students this summer, partnering with Morehead Planetarium, NASA, and local private organizations. Participants will learn about robotics, space, astronaut training and other interesting topics. More information will be forthcoming and we will be seeking volunteers to be space guides. Again, thank you all so very much. God bless you!! See you at space camp!
Jerry Egolf
Play and Pray Happy Mother’s Day
The weather will get warmer, Flowers will start to bloom. Off will come the winter coats, Mowing the grass will come real soon.
Children will be dismissed from school, Summer vacations will be planned. Some people will go on trips or visits, Others love the beaches and sand.
No matter what we plan to do, There’s work. Then there is play. Enjoy each other when you get the time, Don’t forget to pray.
Let’s also celebrate Mother’s Day, Children are a gift from God. We praise good mothers everywhere, They deserve a hug and a nod.
Amid all the good times and fun, Remember our dear Lord above. He died for our salvation, Jesus gave us His ALL out of love.
Thanks be to God - Have a Blessed Summer. GOD BLESS Mothers Everywhere
Love Diane Harper May 2019
Single/Single-Again Sunday, May 19th 12:30 PM Friday’s
Please sign up on the Welcome Center bulletin board to attend.
Office Closed
Monday, May 27th due to Memorial Day. United Methodist Women Circle Meetings
Shine Sat., May 4th, 8:30 AM.
Ellie Stockton Tues., May 21st, 6:00 PM.
Helping Hands Tues., May 28th, 10:30 AM.
United Methodist Men News
Tues., May 21st, 6:30 PM. All men of the church are invited for food and fellowship.
In Memory Of
Don Chesner T.W. Abbott, Dennis & Joyce Albertson, Craig Chesner, George & Amy Dudley, Jack & Dianne Lewis
Jean Estes Art Estes
Glenda Gilgo Dennis & Joyce Albertson
Bill Mattox Chuck & Kristi Gilgo, Ken & Debbie Fredricks, John & Sara Sanders
Doris Moser Betty Chesner (Capital Improvement)
Noel Proudfoot Jay & Annis Barrington, Betty Chesner (Capital Improvement), Vern & Sandra Davis, George & Amy Dudley, Chuck & Kristi Gilgo, Jack & Dianne Lewis, Jeanette Little, Lawrence Watts, Jr. Linda and Rylee Creech Linda and Rylee joined our Trinity family on February 10, 2019. Linda is married to David, and Rylee is their daughter. David and Linda also have an older daughter, Kayleigh, who lives in Raleigh. Linda’s in-laws and Rylee’s grandparents are Jerry and Betty Creech. Linda’s hobbies and interests include reading and walking. Rylee enjoys tennis, swimming, and painting. They both like to do crafts. Rylee is 8 years old, in second grade at Maysville Elementary school. Linda has an Associates degree in Fine Arts and works as an Employment Specialist with disabled individuals. Linda’s passions include caring for the elderly, disabled, and people with special needs. She has volunteered with the American Red Cross, United Way, and Partnership for Kids. She also loves animals and volunteers with the Craven County Humane Society walking dogs. They have 5 dogs and 1 cat of their own. A favorite scripture of Linda’s is “Be not afraid for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Do not fear for the Lord is with you” from 2 Chronicles 20:15 -17. Her favorite hymn is “Holy, Holy, Holy”.
Jimmy Pope Jimmy and his family moved to New Bern from Chapel Hill when he was 2 years old. His dad worked for the Sun Journal for 30 years as Circulation Manager. He and his wife, Lou, now live in his childhood home. Jimmy retired from PCS after 34 years. Since retiring, Jimmy enjoys fishing and golf. He also is trying to stay healthy by exercising at the YMCA. His favorite scripture is the 23rd Psalm and hymn is “Amazing Grace”. Jimmy is compassionate, has a servant’s heart and wants to live as God would have him live. He is very happy to be a member of our Trinity family. He thanks Pastor Bryan and the congregation for our continual prayers as he recovers from prostate cancer.
Anita Mullen Anita grew up in New Jersey and came to live in New Bern in 1992. She has 3 brothers, her younger brother living in the Riverdale area. She too lived in the Riverdale community and was a member of Riverdale UMC. She now lives in town. Anita doesn’t drive so she comes to church with Fred and Kay Gay. She first came to Trinity because she had heard good things about our church and Pastor Bryan. She likes our traditional service and says she feels the Holy Spirit when she is there. Anita reads her Bible every day and knows Jesus loves her. Her favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding”, and her favorite song is “Pass It On”.
We welcome Linda, Rylee, Jimmy, and Anita into our Trinity family. And we look forward to serving God together. Ushers Sandra Davis Vern Davis Heath Riggs Pati Riggs
Door Greeters
5th - Pope 12th - Frances Barnes 19th - Open 26th - William White
You’re Invited
The Ellie Stockton Circle will host a floating wedding shower for Maddie Wygand and John Hoppe on Sunday, May 19th, from 2:00 - 4:00 PM, in the Fellowship Hall.
“Heeling Our World” Workshop
May 11th 1:00 - 4:00 PM First Presbyterian J. Murphy Smith Center 508 Middle St.
Join us as we make shoes for needy children in Africa who have no one to make shoes for them. See Bee Mayo if you have any questions. Please sign up on the Welcome Center bulletin board.
Holy Land & Passion Play Information Meeting Sunday, May 19 at 10:00 AM
Dr. Bob Whitley will be sharing a presentation for a trip to the Holy Lands and Oberammergau for the Passion Play in August 2020. He will be hosting the trip. The presentation will be 35-45 minutes. May Birthdays
1 - Marty Gilgo, Barry Nash, Maxine Tyndall; 7 - Kay Gay, William White; 9 - Vern Davis, Fred Gay, Ted Harper, Jr.; 10 - Jo Anne Norris, Matt Sanders; 14 - Jaiden McDougald; 15 - Ilse Wangerin; 16 - Tony Lafond; 22 - Jo Brown; 24 - Rob Fiolek; 25 - Ryan Kosco, Deb Swan; 26 - Jolie Huffman; 27 - Norma Wygand; 30 - Patsy Woolard
Altar Arrangements Liturgist Schedule
12th - D. & L. Creech 5th 8:30 AM - Linda Griffin 19th - Joyce Reynolds 11:00AM - Tony Lafond
26th - Open 12th (Mother’s Day) 8:30 AM - Donna Wright 11:00 AM - Lynn Gaskins
Coffee Preparation 19th 8:30 AM - Danielle Oakley We want to thank the Mary Gaskins 11:00 AM - Dennis Albertson Class for preparing coffee in the 26th Welcome Center for the month of May. Coffee should be prepared by 9:30 AM. 8:30 AM - Kevin Wright 11:00 AM - Charlene Goes
Multi-Media Assistants
5th 8:30 Faith Huffman 11:00 Molly Thornburg
12th (Mother’s Day) 8:30 Laurie Kosco 11:00 Noah Huffman
19th 8:30 John Griffin 11:00 Meagan Bueter
26th 8:30 Faith Huffman 11:00 Olivia Webb
Acolytes Nursery
5th - Gail Young 5th - Sandra Davis 12th (Mother’s Day) - Charlene Goes 12th (Mother’s Day) - Marianne Parker 19th - Heather Thornburg 19th - Trudy Casey 26th - Ladonds 26th - Kristi Gilgo Thank you for your assistance and support for our 2019 Trinity Spring Sale. Perhaps you helped set up, sort or price items, make or post signs, pick up or deliver items, offered creative display ideas, reviewed art work, promoted the sale, purchased items from the sale, bid on auction items, or helped with “after sale” clean-up; your combined efforts resulted in a very successful sale, directly reflecting your dedication to the sale and substantial donations.
Special Thanks and Recognition to the following for their donations;
37th Street Pizza Be-Spoke Florals Cherry Point SMP Marines Ellie Stockton Circle Harris Teeter Helping Hands Circle James McDaniel Jenna’s Hallmark Gail Seiple Mayor Dana Outlaw Pinecone Garden Center Rinnova Spa Sandra Egolf Southern Persnickety Trudy Casey
A few interesting sale notes; this year we tested online sales of about 50 items. About 25 items sold (the fastest within 15 minutes of listing). Items were shipped to buyers in 21 states across the US reflecting the power of the Internet. Items sold online ranged from an antique candlestick phone to designer handbags, a toy piano, silverware, dishware and books. Each buyer received a warm Thank you from our church family.
Also new this year, a “Trinity Treasure’s room with antiques and collectibles, a flower “garden” with fresh indoor and outdoor plants, a Silent Auction with 20+ items and a bake sale sponsored by New Song United Methodist Church.
In addition to the fellowship and profits realized from the sale, we also made generous donations of approximately 18 truck/ trailer loads of items to;
Colonial Capital Humane Society Eastern Pregnancy Info Clinic Goodwill Industries Store Habitat for Humanity Restore Knights of Columbus New Bern Civitan Club New Song United Methodist Church Salvation Army
My prayer is that we were a blessing to our community on sale day, providing quality goods for reasonable prices, while also allowing us to provide additional funds for youth, missions and church infrastructure needs. Blessings and Thanks,
Church & Ministry Leadership At-a-Glance
Lay Leader: Tony Lafond 636-5157 Evangelism / Outreach Council Chair: Norma Wygand 670-5251 Communications: Valerie Nasser 638-9506 Trustee Chair: Chuck Gilgo 671-3530 Bulletin Board: Carolyn Sutton 637-3963 Pastor/Parish: Derrick Bailey 910-330-7695 Web-master: Ralph Melton 349-0835 Finance: Linda Griffin 633-4409 Treasurer: Janis McDaniel 671-5144 Member Care: Financial Secretary: Bertie Joyner-Tyndall 638-4351 Visitation: Home Communion: Joyce Reynolds 571-5781 Congregational Care Co-Chairs: Christy Buszka 633-6191/ Bereavement Team: Dot Mallard 638-2923 Carol Thornburg 636-1116 Missions: Jerry Egolf 571-7220 UMWomen: Joyce Albertson 637-7396 Youth Ministries: Duffy Huffman 919-920-9253 UMMen: Rick Kosco 637-1833
Fellowship Ministries Contact: Administration Assistance: Worship Chair: Norm Fuhr 638-1637 Adm. Assistant: Michelle Freeman 626-8357 Ushers: Kevin Wright 635-6377/Jerry Eichman 672-0282 Acolytes: Ali Wygand 675-3048 Membership Records: Avis Nash 514-0676 Communion: Mary Wetherington 637-5598 Church History/Archives: Dianne Lewis 637-2268
Multi-Media Ministry: Recording: Byron Creech 638-6069 Sound System: Johnny Mattox 637-5973
Children’s Worship: Regular Sunday Schedule: Worship & Wonder: Jo Lafond 636-5157 8:30 & 11:00 AM Worship Toddler/Nursery: Marianne Parker 671-6604 9:45 AM Adult Assembly 10:00 AM Sunday School Choir: Church Office Hours: Sanctuary: Kathy Mattox 637-5973 Mon. - Thurs. 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Friday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Contact Information: Church Office: 252-637-2660 E-mail: [email protected]
Physical Address: 2311 Elizabeth Av., New Bern NC 28562 Mailing Address: PO Box 12867, New Bern NC 28561-2867
Project Agape
What is Project Agape Shoe Box Ministry? It is a ministry partnership between Armenia Apostolic Christians and the Western and North Carolina Conferences of the United Methodist Church. Shoe boxes are packed with items and given at Christmas. Suggestions include: clothing articles, school supplies, and toys.
How can I support? Pick up a packing list from the table under the bulletin board in the Welcome Center. Decide what age child, girl or boy, you wish to send a box. You MUST use a plastic shoe box. They can be found at the dollar stores. There is a suggested list of items to include. However, you may buy other items not listed. Always put check marks by the items purchased or check “other” and write a specific description of the items. Include $5.00 per box to cover transportation costs. Cash or a check made out to NC Conference with “Agape Christmas Boxes” written in the memo line. Pray for the child who will receive your Christmas shoe box.
When are the boxes due? Please have your boxes back to the church by July. Armenia celebrates Christmas in January. Contact Sara Sanders with any questions.