Church guide

Today's Year of Biblical Literacy reading includes 2 Kings 1-3 and Psalm 101. “Nevertheless [Joram] clung to the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit; he did not turn away from them.” 2 Kings 3:3 As we move out of 1 Kings and into 2 Kings, we continue to read about Kings who seem to get worse and worse as time goes on. Although here and there we may hear of a particular King who appears to be better than the last, the ultimate trajectory is downward as the leaders of Israel and Judah continually violate the covenant with God. As I read today’s text, I was struck by the phrase that “Nevertheless [Joram] clung to the sins of Jeroboam”. The author tells us in the sentence immediately before that in some ways he was a better King than his parents. He did some evil, but not as much evil as they (what a way to be characterized, huh?!?) He even went so far as to remove the pillar of Baal that his father made. However...nevertheless, he clung to the sin. How often do we find ourselves clinging, holding tight, refusing to let go of the sin that separates us from God, ourselves and others? We know we shouldn’t. We know it isn’t good for us. We know that God wants better for us; that He longs to see us free from the weight of sin. But, nevertheless, we cling to it. We refuse to let it go. I wonder where you might find yourself to be clinging to something that separates you from yourself, from God, and from others? Can you take a moment to ask God to show you where you might be holding on a little too tightly to something? What would it be like to bring that thing to God and ask Him to help you lay it down? May you hear His voice speak love and mercy and forgiveness over you as you un-entangle yourself and give your whole self to God. Blessings, Katie

Today's Year of Biblical Literacy reading includes 1 Kings 1-3 and Psalm 94. Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father...at Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” … [Solomon responded] “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” (Excerpt from 1 Kings 3) If you could ask God for anything, what would it be? In a dream, God tells Solomon (who has recently been tapped to take over as king after David) that he will grant him anything he asks for. An opportunity like that would certainly make most of us do some deep reflection. We’d want to make this moment count. Our dreams are a reflection of our innermost longings. When we daydream, what do we think about? New job, a bigger home, a vacation, a romantic partner? Those things might be good, but they can also become the driving force of our lives. Solomon is given the opportunity to have anything he wants from God, and Solomon asks for...wisdom...yes, wisdom. He wants to lead well, to shepherd his people, to fulfill the mission that God has set before him. Solomon knows what matters most. The wisdom of God is more valuable than anything else out there, because it allows us to navigate the complexities of life from the perspective of heaven. Wisdom is like a key that can unlock answers we’d never just stumble upon. Today, are you facing uncertainty in your life? Ask God for His wisdom above all else. Blessings, Ben

We’d love to invite you to experience Easter at Trinity! If you haven’t been to one of our services before, we want you to know that you are so welcome here. Trying a new place can be intimidating for different reasons. Maybe you’re new to the area and looking for a church, or maybe you gave up on church a while ago but feel drawn back, or maybe you’re skeptical, you’ve got questions. Wherever you are, you’re invited. Easter recognizes the primary event that’s shaped followers of Jesus for thousands of years and you’re invited to join in, as we discover the surprising (true) story of Easter. The resurrection of Jesus has the potential to change everything for us. It’s where we can find real hope and joy and life. We believe that God has something really special for you in all of this. We’d love for you to join us this Easter at Trinity! @ Greenwich High School

Join Us On Easter!

Today’s Year of Biblical Literacy Readings includes Psalm 80. This Psalm has a repeated refrain: "Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!" Are there parts of your life that need the miraculous, restorative, saving power of God today? Perhaps a broken relationship, ill-health or lack of provision? Or maybe there is a friend or family member facing that kind of situation. Or maybe today, you feel the heavy burden of the injustice and oppression in our world. The Psalms, perhaps more than any other part of scripture invite us to be real and honest with God - to bring all of our concerns, our worries, even our anger, and outrage to Him. God, our Father, can not only “take it” but loves to have His children be real, honest and authentic with Him. When we cry out to God, we can trust that he: Hears us - He is always listening Is with us - He meets us by His presence in every single situation Desires to answer us, bringing restoration and salvation Whether your prayer is for yourself, or a loved one or our world, cry out to God with this refrain today: "Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!" Grace and Peace, - Andy

Join us on March 24th for our new sermon series titled Symbols of Christ.

Interested in an evening of extended worship and community? Join us at Kingdom Come, our all church worship night.

Yesterday was Heart and Soul Sunday! Thanks to all who were able to join us in person. We covered all sorts important and encouraging topics currently happening in the life of our church including a message on discernment from Ben, information about our pastoral search and we even held our annual meeting. To watch all five parts head to: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_ASWqk_zXZwWWbv_1ev5yArXlUMINKMV

We are heartbroken by the tragic events in Christ Church, NZ today. We grieve for the lives cut short and together we stand against fear, hatred and the forces of darkness (Eph 6). Please join us in prayer for the victims, their families and the entire community. God is “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26 Life hurts sometimes. There are days when even getting out of bed can feel daunting. For some of us, the cultural pressure to “just be ok”, or at least, “look ok” makes matters worse. As a result, many of us live under the illusion of control, that if we just worked a bit harder, tried a bit more, adjusted our attitude, that everything would be fine. Yet, as the Psalmist points out, even our best attempts to self-sustain are ultimately bound to fail. We need a source of wellbeing and security that’s greater than what we can produce. A walk with God begins with an admission of our limitations. The Psalmist rediscovers true strength not in self-generated fortitude, but in the sure and steady character of God. God does not fail. As we turn to Him for our hope, we discover a new trust in the one who never grows weary and who will remain sure-footed. May you be filled with this new vision for your day, that even in the hardest times, even when everything and everyone seems to be against you, when you have come to the end of yourself, that even then, God has the final word. Today, ask the Lord in prayer to supply every need and to revive you. He longs to hear from you. Blessings, Ben

Don’t miss our next very special One Church Sunday this Sunday on March 17 at 10am where we'll spend time reflecting on Trinity’s past, learning about the process of discernment and praying into our future. We'll be meeting at the Hilton Stamford Hotel at 1 First Stamford Pl, Stamford, CT. Parking is available in the underground parking lot. Signs and greeters will guide you into the Hotel. You will likely find it helpful to drop off children and other family members in the upper parking circle before heading down to the underground parking lot. We can't wait to see you then!

Don't forget to set your clocks and watches ahead one hour before heading off to sleep tonight. We're looking forward to being together tomorrow for Sunday worship: 10 a.m. - Greenwich 9 & 10:30 a.m. - Darien

If you haven't yet received a copy of our 2018 Annual Report - Celebrating 2018, simply head to https://bit.ly/2Tp0zHu to check it out. We're so thankful for every one of you who make up this church family and are in constant awe of how God continues to not only provide but exceed our expectations year after year!

Head to TrinityChurch.Life/Sermons to hear Katie Evans's full message from Sunday.

See you tomorrow in either Darien at 9am or 10:30am or in Greenwich at 10am!

“The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen…” The writers of the New Testament would later identify this new prophet as Jesus himself (see Acts 3:22–24; 7:37; John 1:21). Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of all the promises in scripture and, even in the midst of ancient laws and ethical codes God is weaving together His story of rescue and redemption. “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” (2 Corinthians 2:20) Do the promises of God - His goodness, His presence, His rescue - seem near to you or far from you today? If near; spend time thanking God for His goodness, faithfulness, and presence with you today. If far; be honest with God about that fact. Invite Him to come and meet you just where you are - He longs to do so! Ask that He would make His presence real and tangible to you, that He would place people around you who can lift you up and that He would cause you to see and remember His faithfulness to you in the past. Grace and Peace, - Andy

Join us for a Special Ash Wednesday Gathering on Wednesday, March 6 at 11:30 AM at the Trinity Ministry Center (5 River Road, Cos Cob, CT). There will be an opportunity to receive ashes.

Today's Year of Biblical Literacy reading includes Numbers 35-36 and Psalm 52. "But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. I will thank you forever, because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly." Psalm 52:8-9 This Psalm of David provides a contrast between the author himself and the "mighty man", being Doeg the Edomite after he has executed the priests of Nob who had helped David escape Saul's pursuit (see 1 Samuel 22:17-23). The first four verses of the Psalm characterize Doeg's character, and it's not a pretty picture. He is described as one who boasts about his evil actions in the past and excitedly brags about what he wants to do in the future. David presents Doeg as a con artist who loves "evil more than good." As a result, verses 5-7 describe the fruit that his life will produce with that attitude. Ultimately, it will result in brokenness, death and ridicule. In comparison, David has chosen a different way to live: first he expresses a willingness to trust in God rather than his own abilities or desires. Second, he expresses an attitude of thankfulness and patience. The fruit of his life is likened to "a green olive tree." Olive trees were a luxury plant in David's time and also a sign of longevity and usefulness as one could get food and oil from it for hundreds of years. David expresses that this is the difference between depending on the love of God, versus the love of evil that Doeg characterizes. Today, take an inventory of how you talk and ask the honest question about what your words reveal about your motivations and the object of your love. Be purposeful about choosing to have an attitude like David, marked in thankfulness no matter what you face throughout the day. And may your life and speech produce good fruit that blesses and shows others the steadfast love of God. Grace & Peace, Jake

Today's Year of Biblical Literacy reading includes Numbers 17-18 and Psalm 45. “And the Lord said to Aaron, “You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the people of Israel.” Numbers 18:20 We have just read about how God calls and confirms his ministers and while some of the readings may seem foreign to us today (who carries staffs anymore?!?), the message is clear. It is God who calls and it is God who confirms. The Israelites were not sure that Aaron was supposed to be their leader. They were grumbling and complaining against him, but God makes it abundantly clear that Aaron was His chosen one (Numbers 17:10). Aaron was the guy to lead them, minister to and for them; Aaron would protect the people and the one they were to follow. God goes on to say to Aaron, “You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the people of Israel.” Aaron and his sons and daughters were not given any land to work, nor were they given any inheritance of their own because they were to receive a far better portion and inheritance: God himself! The Bible speaks often of God as our portion. Over and over again we see that God himself is His people’s allotment, their share, and their provision. And here, we see that for Aaron and his family, God would be their provision. They would be dependent upon Him and He would provide for all their needs. What it would be like to see God as our portion and inheritance in our day to day life? To depend upon Him and to allow His presence to be the first thing we need each day? As you open the scriptures and read today, may you would experience God’s presence as your portion and your inheritance in a tangible way. - Katie Evans

If you're looking for a way to serve God and deeper connect with your family, come spend time with Scott Tilton after the service on February 24 in Greenwich. This year, Scott will be leading the Trinity Mission Trip to Honduras, which is quickly approaching! To learn more about Trinity Mission Trips, head to https://trinitychurch.lif e/serveminlanding/trips

Join Us On Easter!

Join us on March 24th for our new sermon series titled Symbols of Christ.

Head to TrinityChurch.Life/Sermons to hear Katie Evans's full message from Sunday.

2018 was truly an amazing year at Trinity Church and we are so thankful for all of you! Check out this recap video to see all of the ways God is at work here at Trinity. We are already looking forward to 2019!

Head to https://trinitychurch.lif e/groups to join Alpha or any other groups being offered this winter/spring semester!

Merry Christmas from Trinity Church!

This is the Year of Biblical Literacy To find out more head to TrinityChurch.Life/YOBL

Listen in as the Toussaints share their story about being intentional about saving and tithing.

Thanks to all who came out and served for our very first Serves Sunday!

Join us this fall for a new sermon series The Deeper Life