Category: Blog

Francisco Vera Manzanares visiting Trinity

God is creating something deep in the midst of us. That is why, on Sunday, September 29th, 2024, we will have the special opportunity to welcome Francisco Vera to our morning worship service at Trinity UMC. Francisco is a young Christian and ecological activist with an inspiring story to tell. He’s been making waves around the world as UNICEF’s First Climate Action Advocate and as a Children’s Advisor to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child. His work is not only vital for the future of our planet, but it also carries a deep spiritual message of stewardship, faith, and responsibility that resonates with our Christian values.

Making a Difference One Lunch at a Time!

On Thursday, September 12, our church community came together once again to spread kindness and generosity right here in Ewing, NJ. For the second time this year, Trinity UMC organized and distributed around 80 to-go lunches for the students at The College of New Jersey. What a joyous occasion it was! With each lunch we handed out, we were able to make a positive impact in our community, and we are so grateful to be a part of this important work.

A new leadership

In the passage of John 6:24-35, we find a story that is rich in meaning and open to many interpretations. It is a pericope, a self-contained story, that can be understood in different ways depending on the perspective we bring to it. One of the most fascinating aspects of Jesus’ teachings is how he used stories and metaphors to convey deeper values and principles. Through these narratives, he invited people to think beyond the immediate and the obvious, to consider the more profound needs of the human spirit.

Unknown…

In the Gospel of John, chapter 6, verses 1-21, we encounter two remarkable events: the feeding of the five thousand and Jesus walking on water. These stories are often seen as miraculous demonstrations of Jesus’ divine power. However, if we look closer, there is an even deeper miracle hidden within these narratives—the miracle behind the miracle, a testament to the power of generosity and joy.

Keeping promises…

In Mark 6:14-29, the author tells a story about a powerful king, who decides to keep a promise, even against his will. We often read the story from the perspective of John the Baptist, the prophet who was killed. But what if we shift our focus to King Herod’s family dynamics?

Prophets without honor

In Mark 6:1-13, Jesus says, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” This statement is not a rule, but a description of reality. It reflects the difficulty a prophet...

We have reasons to celebrate!

It is with great joy and excitement that I would like to share with you some wonderful news and upcoming events that give us many reasons to celebrate as a community. The start of this new appointment year has already brought positive challenges and opportunities for our beloved Trinity UMC.

One year…

This week marks a significant moment for us as I reflect on completing my first year as the pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Ewing, New Jersey. It has been a year filled with profound gratitude and honor to serve alongside the incredible leadership and loving community of our congregation. From the outset, I have felt blessed by the opportunity God has given me to be part of this spiritual family, and the journey we have embarked upon together has been nothing short of transformative.

Ebenezer: Up to here the Lord has helped us

As I sit here, gazing at the breathtaking sunset captured in this image, I am reminded of the greatness of our God. This vacation has been a time of rest, reflection, and spiritual renewal—a gift that has refilled my spirit and allowed me to appreciate the goodness that surrounds us.

Embracing Change: Relevance for New Generations

During the 2024 Annual Conference of the Greater New Jersey, held at the Wildwood Convention Center from May 19 to 21, clergy, laity, and leaders gathered to discuss the future of the church. One of the central themes was how to remain relevant and appealing to younger generations. The statistics are clear: the average age of clergy within the UMC is 57 years old, and the laity follows a similar trend. As we look toward the future, it’s essential to recognize that younger generations have different expectations, preferences, and needs.

Let us not leave the Earth to the cockroaches

In a world where the resistance of cockroaches is ironically heralded, humanity stands at a crossroads. These creatures, often despised, have become a symbol of survival in the face of our own destructive tendencies. It’s a stark reminder that our actions have consequences far beyond our immediate perception.

Lunch Boxes and Love: Trinity UMC’s Campus Connection

On this past Monday and Tuesday, May 6th and 7th, something truly heartwarming took place with our beloved Trinity United Methodist Church. Over those two days, our congregation banded together in a beautiful act of community service, distributing a total of 80 lunch boxes to the hardworking students of The College of New Jersey. It was a gesture that spoke volumes about the compassion and generosity that defines our church family.

A beam of hope…

As you already may know, I am attending the 2020 United Methodist Church General Conference as a guest observer during these days. As we gather in Charlotte, North Carolina, the air buzzes with excitement. 

Hope shines upon us

A few days ago, our neighbor, Curtis, took and shared this photo with us. 

Throughout history, we, as Christians, have looked to the rainbow as a symbol of hope and promise. When rain clears and sunlight breaks through, it forms a stunning arc of colors across the sky. Many see this as a message from a higher power, a sign of assurance after a storm. The rainbow’s appearance after rain is like a gentle reminder that despite hardships and challenges, there’s always a brighter tomorrow.