TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
meet our pastor:
Rev. Tiffany Newsom is an ordained elder who holds membership in the Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC). Tiffany has lived a life dedicated to building a future for the UMC where all people are valued and loved exactly as God calls them to be.
PASTOR’S MESSAGE
“Almighty God, into your hands we commend the spirit of your servant, in sure and certain hope of resurrection to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
–United Methodist Book of Worship
Over the years, I have spoken these powerful words as I have laid to rest countless faithful servants whose work in this earthly realm was finished. Oddly enough, these words do not call to mind those who have died, but rather those who live. As Christians, we are an Easter people, though we tend to only emphasize this during the 40 days between Easter Sunday and the Ascension. Being an Easter people, means that we are called to live in this “sure and certain hope of resurrection to eternal life.”
For me, this looks like living with hope. In the words of the ever wise, Timon from The Lion King, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Or in my book, the tough get looking for the glimmers of hope. When straits seem dire, it can be hard to find the glimmers of hope, but that is exactly what I seek. I look for reasons to hope rather than losing heart or giving in to the melancholy of it all. In serving three churches, each of which is facing its own unique challenges,finding the reasons to hope can be uniquely challenging, but I thrive on a good challenge!
As I look at all that Calvary is facing, with the possibility of an impending building sale and the recent flood and subsequent repairs, I see hope. I see hope in folks’ willingness and eagerness to walk alongside families in their grief and offer them hospitality in those tough moments. I also see hope in the congregation’s determination to continue as a worshiping community and to continue to give back and serve the community, even with the uncertainty of having the building on the market.
As I look at all that Brookside is facing, with folks being less physically able and with a dwindling pool of volunteers with specialized skills, I see hope. I see hope in the fact that the leadership is looking to the future of the church through improvements to the online worship experience, to security for the building and congregation, and in folks’ excitement and enthusiasm for volunteering and supporting the other congregations in our charge.
At Trinity, as folks have engaged with grace and compassion in difficult conversations about the possibility of selling their parsonage, I see hope. I see hope in the new faces that dot the sanctuary each week and in the ways they have been welcomed and warmly incorporated fully into the life of the church. I also find hope in your willingness to try new things.
With all three of our congregations aging and their attendance declining, it can be easy to lose heart and feel discouraged, but not for me, I see hope. I see hope in the dedication of those who are here and their care for those who are no longer able to be with us. I see hope in the deepening of relationships and in the expanding of faith. I see hope in new faces getting involved in leadership roles or volunteering in new ways. I see hope in the shifting attitudes and welcome embrace of greater engagement within our charge as a whole.
I, for one, can’t wait to see what God has in store for our future together!
Blessings,
Pastor Tiffany
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Acts 7:55-60; 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14
“Know the Way”
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Acts 17:22-31; 1 Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21
“Abide with Us, O Lord”
Ascension of the Lord
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 24:44-53
“Living in a Postlude World”
Pentecost
Sunday, May 24, 2026
Acts 2:1-21 and John 20:19-23
“So that All Might be One”
NEWS TO USE:
Our Saturday morning Book Study- we are currently studying Luke. Books can be ordered through your favorite bookseller. Everyone is welcome. See Mary Sweet for more information.
Learn and Grow, together Jim Wolcott is leading us through “The Message of Jesus: Words That Changed the World”
Caregivers Support continues to meet the first Tuesday of each month. (September will be the second Tuesday). Anyone experiencing caregiver overload and needing support is welcome to come and share. Sandy Hite facilitates the conversation.
“The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.”
God created all things and called them good. Acknowledging the brokenness of the world and the ways the Church has condoned that brokenness through it’s own silence, we trust in God’s abiding love and extravagant welcome. At Trinity, we welcome everyone as full participants in the life and sacraments of Christ’s church. Everyone includes people of any age, economic status, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, race, sexual orientation, faith background, life experience or physical, emotional and mental capability. Simply put: everyone, everyone, everyone is welcome. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
