This week in the church calendar, we move closer to a strange and powerful moment: Ascension Sunday. The day we remember when Jesus was lifted up and returned to God. If we stop there, the story might feel like Jesus just disappeared. Like he left us. But the truth is the opposite: when Jesus ascended, he didn’t go away.
As many of you know, this past April 2024, the General Conference of The United Methodist Church met in Charlotte, NC. It was a significant gathering where delegates from across the globe made major decisions about the future of our church, including important updates to our Constitution.
But those decisions are not final yet. According to our rules, any change to the Constitution must be confirmed (ratified) by two-thirds of all Annual Conferences around the world. That means that when the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference gathers in 2025, we will be part of that global decision-making process.
During our Sunday worship service, this news was shared with us by Caroline Wylie, our Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) Chair: starting July 1st, Rev. Richard Romero will begin his journey as the new pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Ewing, NJ, appointed by Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi.
Sometimes, when I have a quiet moment, I like to think about things that help me see the church with fresh eyes. This week, I found myself daydreaming around a question: What if Jesus were a member of Trinit
Christ is risen! And what a joy it has been to celebrate this Holy Week and Easter season with all of you! From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your presence, your prayers, your helping hands, and your commitment to walk through this meaningful journey together as a church family.
We are walking through Holy Week, and it has already been a meaningful and beautiful time here at Trinity.
Our journey began last Saturday with our Easter Egg Hunt, and what a joyful moment it was! Even with the rain falling gently around us, we were surrounded by children laughing, parents smiling, and a community full of life and love.
We are deeply grateful for the recognition that our leadership at Trinity United Methodist Church received from The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) on March 27th. The recognition came from their program working to fight food insecurity on campus, “The Shop”. It was an unexpected surprise, and we give all the glory to God!
This past Friday, for the first time, we had the joy of hosting an Iftar Dinner at Trinity, a truly special evening filled with learning, fellowship, and amazing food! We were honored to welcome our Muslim brothers and sisters while they broke their fast during Ramadan, and we had the chance to learn more about the meaning behind this sacred time thanks to Peace Islands Institute and the Cultural Center of New Jersey.
Throughout history, women have played a vital role in shaping the faith, advancing the mission of the Church, and carrying forward the Gospel of Jesus Christ. From the early days of Christianity to the global Methodist movement, women have led, preached, healed, and advocated for justice. During this month, we celebrate their legacy and recommit ourselves to uplifting their voices in a world that still struggles with inequality.
It is not hard to see how much our world is struggling with hate and division. Sadly, this is something we face every day. But even in the middle of all this, the Spirit keeps moving, bringing people together in love and unity. That is exactly what is happening here in Ewing between Trinity UMC, Ewing Covenant Presbyterian Church, and Abiding Presence Lutheran Church
In today’s world, it feels like we’re constantly being pulled in different directions. Tensions rise, disagreements escalate, and it becomes easy to forget that, as followers of Christ, we are called to something greater: to be peacemakers.
On January 2nd, 2025, I had the distinct honor of participating in the Reorganization Meeting of our Township, Ewing. This was a moment of profound significance, as I was invited to offer both the invocation and the benediction during the gathering....
One of the most beautiful truths of Christmas is the image of the incarnation—God choosing to dwell among us, not waiting for us to become godlike or perfect, but meeting us exactly where we are. We are imperfect, we stumble, and we can never reach the heights of God. Yet in divine humility and boundless love, God came to us, “God with us,” Emmanuel.
In our current world, filled with wars, natural disasters, and oppression, it can feel almost impossible to pause and give thanks. How can we find gratitude amid so much uncertainty and pain? Jonah 4:6-10 offers a profound lesson on this very question, showing us that even in the fleeting moments of life’s blessings, there is a call to recognize the hand of God and remain steadfast in doing God’s work.
Welcome to Trinity...
Where the invisible throw shadows,
the weak lead, the silent are heard,
and the pushed aside
are called into the center
where they are listened to,
lifted up and loved.
Whoever you are, you are welcome here!
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