Houston Trinity News
April 21, 2025
1
Easter people raise your voices
Sounds of heaven in earth should ring
Christ has brought us Heaven's choices
Heavenly music let it ring
Alleluia. Alleulia.
Easter people let it sing
2
Fear of death can no more stop us
From our pressing here below
For our Lord empowered us
To triumph over every foe
Alleluia. Alleluia.
On to victory now we go
3
Every day to us is Easter
With its resurrection song
When in trouble move the faster
to our God who rights the wrong
Alleluia. Alleluia.
See the power of heavenly throngs.
Easter People Raise Your Voices", United Methodist Publishing House. Publication date: 1989. Words © 1979 The United Methodist Publishing House. United Methodist Hymnal #304.
Friends,
Yesterday was a beautiful day. Not only did the sun rise majestically over our Sonrise Service it shown bright all day as we witnessed the resurrection at morning worship and lived Jesus’ command to love each other at our meals and afternoon activities. We gathered in the glory of the Risen Lord and the hope and promises that come pouring forth from the empty tomb. We sang at the top of our lungs with loud Alleluia’s. We shared, with Christians all over the world, the Good News of Easter.
Now Monday has arrived. We are back to our routines. We woke this morning to the sad news of the passing of the Pope. If we have taken time to read a paper or our news feed we find the same tragic stories of road rage, of fires, storms and flooding. If we are not careful the joy and hope of Easter will get lost in the daily routine. It is so easy to rise and only see the clouds of the day but as I said yesterday: The sun rises in the eastern sky every morning, even if it is sometimes hidden by clouds. It is there. Never forget that the bright sun of the resurrection morning is always shining in our lives.
As I sit in the office this morning looking out at the grey sky and drizzly day, I can’t help but think back to the beauty of yesterday. We didn’t sing it yesterday but one of the great Easter hymns in the Methodist Hymnal has a great reminder for all of us. Especially on days like today. The third verse of “Easter People Raise Your Voices” says “Every day to us is Easter, with its resurrection song”. We need to constantly remember, as we said yesterday at sunrise. I want to be an Easter person every day, not just one day a year. On days when the clouds cover the glory, we should remember the next line of that verse: “When in trouble run the faster to our God who rights the wrong.”
We are Easter People, Resurrection People, Alleluia. Praise God. Then share that Good News with everyone you meet, Every day.
God bless you. See you Sunday.
This Week's Scriptures
John 20:19-23 (NRSV)
19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
New Sermon Series - "Before I Go"
We are beginning a new Sermon Series this week titled "Before I Go". We will spend next Sunday and the Sundays in May with Jesus as he makes his post-resurrection appearances. These Sunday's will be an opportunity for us to hear once again, the hope, the assurances, the promises, the instructions and the commandments of Jesus.
Our New Sermon Series
April 27 – Before I Go – Peace Be with You
May 4 – Before I Go – Doubt No More
May 11 – Before I Go – Do You Love Me?
May 18 – Guest Message
May 25 – Before I Go – The Great Commission
Calendar Reminders - May
April 21 – Bible Study – ZOOM – 7:30 – Genesis – led by Pastor Manuel
April 23 – Wednesday Night Bible Study – Obadiah – 6:30 – in person and ZOOM
April 25 – Youth Fun Night – Main Event Katy
April 26 – Women of Faith Prayer Meeting
April 27 – Sunday Worship, Council Meeting
April 28 – Bible Study – ZOOM – 7:30 – Genesis – led by Pastor Manuel
April 30 – Wednesday Night Bible Study – Obadiah – 6:30 – in person and ZOOM
May 4 – Sunday Worship – First Sunday Communion
May 5 – Bible Study – ZOOM – 7:30 – Genesis – led by Pastor Manuel
May 7 – Wednesday Night Bible Study – Obadiah – 6:30 – in person and ZOOM
May 11 – Sunday Worship
May 12 – Bible Study – ZOOM – 7:30 – Genesis – led by Pastor Manuel
May 13 – Wednesday Night Bible Study – TBD – 6:30 – in person and ZOOM
May 16 – Youth Night – Location to be determined.
May 18 – Sunday Worship
May 19 – Bible Study – ZOOM – 7:30 – Genesis – led by Pastor Manuel
May 21 – NO BIBLE STUDY
May 24 – Women of Faith Prayer Meeting
May 25 – Sunday Worship – Aldersgate Sunday
May 25 – Texas Annual Conference – Opening Worship
May 25-27 – Annual Conference
Youth Nights are Back!
Our Next Youth night will be April 25. Join us for 4 hours of fun and the Main Event in Katy.
Pizza and drinks provided.
Mark your Calendar. Invite a Friend
Our newest newsletter section!
We are introducing a new section to highlight our relationship with the Marvin Radar School. We will be providing news of what is happening at the school so that you know what is happening and how we are supporting. This week's addition is longer than most but will provide some background. LOOK BELOW
Marvin Radar School
Founding Anniversary Celebration
Message from Deaconess Precy Torres
MARVIN A. RADER SCHOOL, INC. celebrated Foundation Day February 26 to 28, 2025. It marks the 58th year of celebration.
Foundation Day is the most fun and enjoyable event at our school, showcasing the best of what we have to offer, including interesting activities; a motorcade, booths, a quiz bee, a talent show, a field demonstration, etc. All students are part of these programs. We are grateful for all the parents support to make it successful.
It was indeed a successful program, and we are glad and proud to be part of the MARVIN A. RADER SCHOOL, INC. Family. We vow to do better next year and in the years to come.
God is faithful as our school continues its ministry to the church and the community as well.
Praise be to God!
Prayer Corner
Please let Nini or me know if you would like to have your prayer request added to the newsletter.
This week's prayer requests
Prayers for Healing
Nikka Javelosa
Blessings Ramirez
Velma Bailey
Melina Bernardo
Jose Liwanag
Saffa Gabba
Veronica Crisologo
Christopher Hilton
Susan Hilton
Cheryl Foster
Gerald Hinkson
Bruce Jocz
Pam Custer
Prayers for Travel
Everyone taking extended trips. Safe journeys to and from.
Prayers of Thanks and Praise
To our awesome God, our guide, our provider, our Shepherd, our Savior for another year of family and community at Houston Trinity. Thanks for being our Master Gardener tending to our roots.
Prayers for Troubles of the World
For the earthquake victims and their families in Malaysia and Thailand.
Open Hearts and Minds; Eyes that See and Ears that Hear
Houston Trinity United Methodist Church
The Prayer for Today – courtesy of praywithme.com
Just for today, help me, God, to remember that my life is a gift, that my health is a blessing, that this new day is filled with awesome potential, that I have the capacity to bring something wholly new and unique and good into this world.
Just for today, help me, God, to remember to be kind and patient to the people who love me, and to those who work with me too. Teach me to see all the beauty that I so often ignore, and to listen to the silent longing of my own soul.
Just for today, help me, God, to remember You.
Let this be a good day, God, full of joy and love.
Amen