Houston Trinity News
May 26, 2025
Friends,
Last night was opening Worship for the 2025 Annual Conference. We gathered in the ballroom at the Hilton Americas, almost 1000 Pastors and as many members of the Laity to Worship together. The message was delivered by the Bishop, and her Scripture reading was the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, but the point of her message came from verse 43. Once Jesus had called Lazarus out of the tomb, he handed major responsibility to the crowd that was gathered there. “Unbind him, and let him go.” Her challenge to the Texas Annual Conference; to clergy but also to all the laity, was to begin today to unbind ourselves and set ourselves free. Her message was that it is time for us to look forward instead of looking backward. It is time for us to put one foot in front of the other instead of standing still waiting to see what is going to happen. It is time for us to step out into the world and get to work doing the things God wants us to do. We are unbound. We are set free. Let’s use our freedom to do the work we are called to do as United Methodists.
I found her message very fitting after our message on Sunday about being sent into the world, even in our doubt. Worshipping our God, even when we doubt. I can hear Jesus whispering to us I have set you free, I have unbound you so that you will be moved by the Holy Spirit in the midst of any doubt. I have unbound you so that you are free to follow my call to go to the nations and make disciples.
Let’s go.
God bless you. See you Sunday.
Scripture Reading
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NRSV)
Graduation Sunday
Join us this Sunday as we celebrate our High School and College Graduates.
New Sermon Series beginning June 8
Upcoming Pentecost Sermon Series - All Access
The doors are open. That’s what Pentecost has done. In this moment, in this event, we are empowered to realize the promise that was offered at Easter. We all know that the curtain in the temple was torn in two, and God’s heart was opened on Good Friday. We know that the gift was sealed on Resurrection morning. But closed and locked doors were still keeping the followers from living into the new reality. Fear reigned in too many hearts until the wind and the fire of Pentecost. Now, there is access and accessibility. Now, there is a way to approach. Now, there is openness that keeps no one away. In this short series, we embrace openness and claim the gift given to us. Let us celebrate these high and holy days by living into the all-access pass we’ve been given.
Join us as we spend two Sunday’s looking at the wonder of Pentecost through the eyes of Peter and the crowds, the Psalmist and Paul.
June 8 – Spirit of Adoption
June 15 – Crowned with Glory and Honor
Summer Sermon Series Dear Children of God
Join us as we spend the Summer exploring Paul’s writings to God’s children.
What would St. Paul text? Something clever, profound, and to the point, no doubt. Some of the writings of Paul or attributed to Paul in the New Testament are some of the most eloquent and beautiful prose in all of scripture. But these texts were about getting the point across, arguing for faith, and inviting the readers or hearers to a deeper experience of the risen Christ. So, what are those core elements, those essentials that would bring the desired outcome? What would Paul text to open the conversation and get readers to claim the faith he presents? That’s what we hope becomes clear as we engage in the conversation we call “Dear Children of God.”
June 22 – Dear Children of God: OMG – Now that Faith Has Come
June 29 – Dear Children of God: OMG – Called to Freedom
July 6 – Dear Children of God: OMG – A New Creation is Everything
July 13 – Dear Children of God: Part 2 – Heard of this Hope
July 20 – Dear Children of God: Part 2 – Image of the Invisible
July 27 – Dear Children of God: Part 2 – Made you Alive
August 3 – Dear Children of God: Part 2 – Set your Mind
August 10 – Dear Children of God: Dear Beloved Children – Desire a Better Country
August 17 – Dear Children of God: Dear Beloved Children – For the Sake of Joy
August 24 – Dear Children of God: Dear Beloved Children – Cannot be Shaken
August 31 – Dear Children of God: Dear Beloved Children – Let Mutual Love Continue
Calendar Reminders - June
May 25 – Texas Annual Conference – Opening Worship
May 25-27 – Annual Conference
May 30 – Women of Faith Prayer Meeting
June 1 – Sunday Worship – First Sunday Communion – Graduation Sunday
June 2 – Bible Study – ZOOM – 7:30 – Genesis – led by Pastor Manuel
June 4 – Wednesday Night Bible Study – Ezekiel – 6:30 – in person and ZOOM
June 8 – Sunday Worship
June 9 – Bible Study – ZOOM – 7:30 – Genesis – led by Pastor Manuel
June 11 – Wednesday Night Bible Study – Ezekiel – 6:30 – in person and ZOOM
June 15 – Sunday Worship – Father’s Day
June 16 – Bible Study – ZOOM – 7:30 – Genesis – led by Pastor Manuel
June 18 – Wednesday Night Bible Study – Ezekiel – 6:30 – in person and ZOOM
June 22 – Sunday Worship
June 23 – Bible Study – ZOOM – 7:30 – Genesis – led by Pastor Manuel
June 25 – Wednesday Night Bible Study – Ezekiel – 6:30 – in person and ZOOM
June 28 – Women of Faither Prayer Meeting
June 29 – Sunday Worship
VBS is Back!
Houston Trinity is participating in a joint VBS with Bear Creek UMC the week of June 16-June 20.
Volunteers Needed - if you are interested in helping with VBS this year please contact Blessings Ignacio to complete the necessary paperwork.
Invite - Invite a friend or relative to participate. Ages Pre-K through graduating 5th graders.
Registration - Registration is open. Use the QR Code below to register.
Youth Nights are Back!
No Youth Night in June. Stay tuned for the plans for July.
Mark your Calendar. Invite a Friend
Marvin Rader School
News From Marvin Rader
The School Year has ended and the Summer Enrichment Program is starting soon. Stay tuned for more information as the program gets started.
The staff is on retreat in Batangas City April 28 and 29 for team building.
God's Blessings as the School begins its summer programs.
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
Anita Solas
Louise Mosley
Ithana Campbell
Leonard Miller
Michael Bhola
Luz Santos
Jared Davis
Prayers for Travel
Everyone taking extended trips. Safe journeys to and from.
Prayers for the Church
Annual Conference 2025
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