Back to School

Back to School Info and Ministry Needs at Trinity, in Public Schools, and on your knees.

August is quickly coming to an end.  The school year will start very soon; for some college students, move-in day has already happened.  The August 18th bulletin is full of opportunities to serve, learn, and grow.  There is a need for many hands, feet, and energy to do the work of the ministry.    

All that is necessary, but let us never forget the ministry's most important work.
Depending upon to do His work in people's lives. 
Trusting in Jesus, not just to save us, but also to work in the lives of those we know and serve. 
PRAYERFUL DEPENDING ON GOD!
We need people to serve at Trinity and in our community. 
We definitely need people to cry out to God for the workers, God, and those they serve.  

Serving at Trinity

All children's workers at TBC need to be CPP (Child Protection Policy) approved.  You can pick up an application in the office or go to trinitybaptistgr.churchcenter.com/people/forms/729419

• AWANA.  Contact Mike Guest.  For those planning to lead, remember the leader's meeting on September 4 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel.
• Sunday Mornings.  Help kids know the love of God and learn the Bible in the nursery and other kids' classes. Contact Pastor Dave or Randy Smith.
• Tuesday Mornings.  Help with childcare during the Tuesday morning Bible studies, contact Pastor 

Serving in the Grand Rapids community through Bible Clubs and Community Kids

BIBLE CLUB HELPERS NEEDED!!

Bible Clubs in Public Schools are an amazing and efficient way to share the gospel and make disciples.

If you want to be involved in a high-fruit-bearing ministry, prayerfully consider how you can help!

Clubs are gearing up to start in late September, and we are looking to start THREE NEW CLUBS in the Grand Rapids area.

There are several clubs at elementary schools near Trinity!

Prayerful Speaking of God's Word

Tuesday's informal volunteer opportunity was talking with God - Prayer.

Today's Informal volunteer opportunity is talking with others.  Specifically, "the prayerful speaking of his word by one person to another.

Today's informal volunteer spotlight is on those who encourage others with God's word, whether that is after the service or throughout the week.  You are a blessing!

The extended quote below is taken directly from The Trellis and The Vine  by Colin Marshall, Tony Payne

Imagine a reasonably solid Christian said to you after church one Sunday morning, “Look, I’d like to get more involved here and make a contribution, but I just feel like there’s nothing for me to do. I’m not on the ‘inside’; I don’t get asked to be on committees or lead Bible studies. What can I do?” 

What would you immediately think or say?
Would you start thinking of some event or program about to start that they could help with?
Some job that needed doing?
Some ministry that they could join or support? 

This is how we are used to thinking about the involvement of church members in congregational life—in terms of jobs and roles: usher, Bible study leader, Sunday School teacher, treasurer, elder, musician, song leader, money counter, and so on. The implication of this way of thinking for congregation members is clear: if all the jobs and roles are taken, then there’s really nothing for me to do in this church. I’m reduced to being a passenger. I’ll just wait until I’m asked to ‘do something.’ The implication for the pastoral staff is similar: getting people involved and active means finding a job for them to do. In fact, the church growth gurus say that giving someone a job to do within the first six months of their joining your church is vital for them to feel like they belong. 

However, if the real work of God is people work—the prayerful speaking of his word by one person to another—then the jobs are never all taken. The opportunities for Christians to minister personally to others are limitless. 

So you could pause, and reply to your friend, “See that guy sitting over there on his own? That’s Julie’s husband. He’s on the fringe of things here; in fact, I’m not really sure whether he’s crossed the line yet and become a Christian. How about I introduce you to him, and you arrange to have breakfast with him once a fortnight [every two weeks] and read the Bible together? Or see that couple over there? They are both fairly recently converted and need encouragement and mentoring. Why don’t you and your wife have them over, get to know them, and read and pray together once a month? And if you still have time, and want to contribute some more, start praying for the people in your street, and then invite them all to a barbeque at your place. That’s the first step towards talking with them about the gospel, or inviting them along to something.” 

Of course, there’s every chance that the person will then say, “But I don’t know how to do those things! I’m not sure I’d know what to say or where to start.” 

To which you reply, “Oh, that’s okay. Let’s start meeting together, and I can train you.” 

National Volunteer Week

The week of April 17 through 23 is National Volunteer Week. Over the next two weeks, we will look at ministry volunteers and opportunities at TBC.

Thank you to everyone who faithfully and compassionately serves those who attend Trinity!!

The work of the ministry in Ephesians 4:12 is not the work of the pastoral team. It is the work of the entire body of Christ building up the body of Christ. Those who serve in so many different areas have the opportunity to do what they are doing for the glory of God.

This post has an encouraging video for volunteers, a summer service opportunity, and a ministry area spotlight.

This 5-minute video from the Truth78 conference a couple of years ago is meant for those serving in the children's ministry. THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO SERVE THE KIDS & FAMILIES in TBCGRKIDZ!!!

Chicken Soup for Children's Ministry - Mark Vroegop from Truth78 on Vimeo.

Service Opportunity: VBS 2023 is just over two months away.

There are many ways to help - group leaders and helpers, games, snacks, crafts, memory verses, and more. A great week of meeting new people, having fun with friends, and Standing Strong on THE Truth! To sign up go to https://tbcgrkidz.myanswers.com/keepers-of-the-kingdom/

Service Spotlight: Different men teaching and helping in Sunday School and Children's Church. (Bob, Rob, Trevor, Ozzie, Ed, Dave, Joel, Geoffrey, David, Randy, and Eli) If your name should have been on this list and I am very sorry.

Each and every volunteer is appreciated. Our children need to see godly men serving the Lord and His church.

On a personal note: I am so thankful for Godly men who have helped me disciple my children. Two examples stand out in my mind. First, one of my seminary theology professors also served as Joel's cubbies leader on Wednesday nights. Second, I know of many men at Trinity and other churches who work hard at their 40+ hours a week job, and they still have the time, energy, and enthusiasm to serve Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights, and for a week at VBS. THANK YOU!!

Check back Thursday at 1:00 pm for the next Service Opportunity and Service Spotlight!