Newsletter

The Light

From Pastor Kevin

Summer is here! The weather is warmer, the sun is shining, and the days are longer. We have more daylight in the month of June than we do during any other month of the year. Every night when it’s time to put my children to bed, they are adamant that it can’t be bedtime yet because the sun is still up. There are still games to play, snacks to eat, and fun things to do. And if the sun is still shining, well, why waste an opportunity?

I can hardly blame them; I appreciate the longer days too. I personally much prefer driving home with the sun still in the sky to driving home in the dark. The sun shining seems to hold implicit promise regarding all that the day might yet hold. All the good that might be done. All the joy that might lay ahead.

In the same way, there are things in our lives that seem to bring them life and light. That summer vacation, success at work, the people we love. Things that give us joy and hope. Things that bring light to our lives. But the sun still always sets. There is a limitation to the alleged promises offered by these longer days; my children know they can only stall bedtime for so long. The vacation ends. People let us down. No matter the length of the day, there’s always a point when the light fades and the day ends.

And yet there is one light for which this doesn’t hold true. The Apostle John tells us that there is a light that “shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (1:5). There is a light that does not die, but instead overcomes darkness. While the apparent promises of these June days are themselves limited by the amount of time the sun is in the sky, this light has no such limitation.

And this light makes promises, too. Elsewhere in John’s Gospel, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (8:12). Jesus makes a promise to you. A promise regarding what living in the light of Christ means: life in Him for you.

This light is always found where Jesus is. And even when other sources of light in our lives grow dim, Christ will never fail. And so, my prayer for you is that we would follow Christ together, walking in the light. That we as His church would follow Christ into all the good we might accomplish together and all the joy that is up ahead. And, as we together follow Him, may we be filled with confidence knowing that the promise will never be broken. The light of Christ will never end and it shines for you.

Pastor Kevin McClain
Lead Pastor

Rummage Sale Success

Thank you for supporting the Operation Christmas Child ministry

The Rummage Sale was a great success! A special thanks to all of you who donated and bought items, but especially to all the volunteers who helped to set up the tables, sort, and arrange the many items—and all those who helped clean up and pack the truck! This is a huge project and it takes many hands to complete. Thanks to all!

For the month of June we would like to concentrate donations on hygiene items such as wash cloths, tooth brushes and holders. Please no soap because too many countries will not let soap go through customs.

Remember the Gospel of Jesus Christ is being spread one shoebox at a time. We would love for you to be part of this ministry!

Highlighted

Announcements

rosesSummer Rose Garden Services

Beginning Sunday, June 22nd | 8:45am Service | Trinity Rose Garden

We invite you and your friends to an outdoor garden service on Sunday morning, June 22nd, at 8:45am in the Church Home Rose Garden, the first of three planned for this Summer. The Sonrise Singers and the Trinity Brass will provide special music. Those attending the garden service should park in the lots on Walnut and Chestnut streets and use the sidewalk to the Rose Garden. In case of rain, the service will be held inside. The Rose Garden and the church sanctuary are ground-level accessible. Other Rose Garden services this summer will take place on July 27th and August 10th.

Celebrations

Celebrating June Birthdays

Let’s shower our cherished members 85 and over with lots of love and well-wishes as they celebrate their birthdays this month!

  • Mary Lou Mackenzie | 97 years | 06/05/1928
  • Nancy DeLong | 90 years | 06/15/1935
  • Christine Carver | 91 years | 06/28/1934

Kids

Ministry

vsb true north

Vacation Bible School – Save the Date

June 9th – 12th | 9am – 12pm | Ages 4 – 5th Gr.

Mark your calendars now for an amazing week full of fun at “True North” Vacation Bible School 2025. Kids get to explore how easy it is to lose sight of what’s true in our wild world today, and they will learn that JESUS is our true north. Join us for a week full of faith discoveries, music, and epic adventures that help kids grow in friendship with Jesus!

If you are willing to be a volunteer for the week, contact one of the VBS directors: Amy Atterholt, Angela Baker, Kari Emmons, Kristen McClain or Dawn Forbes for more info. Don’t wait till June! Get your favorite spot NOW!!

Youth

Ministry

Music

Ministry

Kids’ Choir Camp 2025

July 28th – July 31st | 9am – Noon | Ages 4 – Completed Grade 6

kids choir camp 2025At Trinity’s choir camp, kids will learn about God and worship through singing, moving, and playing instruments! Crafts and snacks will be provided and a final presentation and lunch provided for families on the last day. Camp is for kids ages 4 (potty trained) through completed Grade 6. Kids’ Choir Camp is free for participants, and registration is now open! Register by July 14th to guarantee a shirt!

The theme for the week is “As for Me and My House, We will Serve the Lord,” based on Joshua 24:15. Our theme song will be the Keith and Kristyn Getty song, As for Me and My House, We will Serve the Lord.

Students (grade 7 and above) and adults can volunteer as helpers (shepherds, snacks, crafts, games, etc.). Join the fun!

 

Senior

Ministry

Women's

Ministry

Missions & outreach

Updates

Missions Spotlight at the Olive Tree Café

Schedule Information Below | 10-10:50am | Olive Tree Cafe

Have you ever wondered what some of our local Christian non-profit agencies do in Ashland? Trinity will be having representatives from a number of them available for an informal meeting and question time at the Olive Tree Café this summer between the worship services on Sunday. The agencies participating are listed below. We hope to see you there!

June 15th | Advocates for Families, Gregg Ashbrook

July 13th | Pathfinders, Jon Burkholder

July 20th | Associated Charities, Chris Box

July 27th | Ashland Christian Health Center, Cheryl Benway *In the Rose Garden

August 3rd | Operation Christmas Child, Ruth Ann Linder

Christian

Education

Thank you to our Sunday School Teachers!

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful Sunday School teachers for our youngest through our most experienced learners! It has been a great year of learning and growth. A special thanks goes out to Diane and Andy Yeaste as they retire from a long volunteer career shepherding our littlest lambs in Sunday school (Preschool class). The number of Bible stories, prayers, songs, games, hands held, and noses wiped goes beyond count as do the seeds of God’s love that have been sown that will continue to grow for many years to come. Thank you Diane and Andy for your dedicated service and blessings as you move forward into your next chapter.

Also many thanks to the rest of our teachers for the 2024-2025 school year:

Amy Atterholt, Angela Baker, Adrianna Anderson, Jenny Pence, Aaron Wolfe, Pastor Kevin, Adam Kime, Ryane Briggs, Tom Gaus, Wendy Shreffler, Doug Clark, Dan Forbes, Carl and Mary Ann Nestor, Chuck Benway, Michelle and Chris Vanderzyden, and Paul Keske.

Stay tuned for information about the exciting new classes that will be available for next year!

No Kids Sunday School on Sunday, June 8th

Preschool

Montessori

Preschool registration now open

Serving ages 2 ½ to 5 years of age. We follow the Montessori philosophy. In addition, we offer spiritual formation and experiential music enrichment. Our program provides individualized learning. Enrollment packets are available outside the Montessori office. For additional questions, please contact Montessori at (419) 289-2126 or montessori@trinityashland.org.

Get

Involved

WHERE WILL YOU SERVE? EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES

Job Opportunities

Please visit our job opportunities page for a full list of qualifications and full instructions on how to apply.

Volunteer Opportunities

At Trinity, we strive to serve others and make a difference in our community, just as Jesus calls us to do. We need your help continuing our mission through these service opportunities:

  • Event Setup: We’re looking for volunteers to join a list of people who can be called upon to help set up tables and chairs for various church events. It often takes a long time for one person to handle this alone, so having a team will make the process much quicker and easier. If you’re available and willing to assist, please contact Jeff Gray at jwgray1@outlook.com. Ideally, we’re hoping to gather a list of 10-12 volunteers. Your support is greatly appreciated! Thank you for helping serve our church and the greater Ashland community by helping our events run smoothly.
  • Food & Fellowship: Do you enjoy baking or connecting with new people? Our Olive Tree Cafe needs bakers to donate tasty treats and friendly hosts to greet visitors. You’ll be providing hospitality and helping newcomers feel welcome.
  • First Impressions: Help make a great first impression by volunteering at our Information Desk, welcoming new faces, and guiding people to classes and services. Your warmth and assistance can make someone’s day.
  • Radio Ministry: If you prefer behind-the-scenes work, we need help running our radio ministry programs. You’ll be spreading God’s message near and far from the comfort of our church.
  • Rides: We have members in need of transportation to attend church events. Are you willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus by providing the occasional ride? Any time you can volunteer is greatly appreciated and makes a lasting difference. Please contact the church office if you can help or know someone who can. As a Trinity family, let’s make sure transportation is not a barrier to participating in our church.

Jesus tells us that whatever we do for others, we do for Him. Through volunteering with us, you can share your gifts and passions while walking in Christ’s footsteps. Contact us today to get involved!

Community

Partnerships

Attendance

& Giving

April 2025 Attendance
Date Sunday School Church Services
4/3 – Vespers n/a 39
4/5 – 4/6 106 337
4/14 – Vespers n/a 34
4/12-4/13 Palm Sunday 118 470
4/17 – Maundy Thursday (11 am) n/a 74
4/17 – Maundy Thursday (7pm) n/a 86
4/18 – Good Friday (12pm) n/a 193
4/18 – Good Friday (8pm) n/a 106
4/19 – 4/20 Easter Easter 709
4/26 – 4/27 90 385
April 2025 Receipts
4/6 $15,698
4/13 $22,301
4/20 $21,568
4/26 $22,397
Operating Fund YTD
Income $316,706
Disbursements $467,747
Deficit -$149,411
Weekly Income Needed for Operating Budget $27,515

COUNCIL NOTES

& NEWS

Opening & Pastor’s Report

  • Pastor Kevin welcomed new council members Rob Ward, Paul Keske, Fred Gottfried, and Robert Birkes. He reminded all council members of their call to godly leadership and the responsibilities that come with serving the church in this capacity.

Key Updates & Reports

Pastoral & Staff

  • Council officer selection:
    • Lay Leader: Rob Hendrix
    • Secretary: Sara Paddags
  • Committee responsibilities assigned (see “Trinity Council Members 2025” in the Council Google Drive).
  • Emergency phone access discussed.
  • Fire Marshal reminder: no storage allowed under stairwells.
  • Pretzel Truck requested weekly Tuesday use of Center Street lot, 8am–2pm.
  • Pastors requested approval to attend:
    • Pastor Conference (June 30th –July 3rd) – $300/person for registration & lodging.
    • NALC National Convocation (August 3rd–8th) – $1,390/person for registration & lodging.
      • Motion passed to approve up to $5,000/person from the Bequests & Memorials Fund, with any excess to come from the staff development budget.

Christian Education

  • Last Sunday School class: May 25th.
  • Summer Sunday School: Begins June 15 with 4-week sessions and two “Funday Sundays” (July 13th, Aug. 17th).
  • Rally Day: August 24th.

Finance

  • Mid-year giving statements to be sent first week of July.
  • Committee discussed 2025 deficit concerns and will brief Council.
  • A stewardship team will be formed to support long-term financial health.

Grounds

  • No report.

Kitchen

  • No report

Missions

  • No report.

Montessori

  • New director search underway (job posted on Indeed & Ashland Source).
  • 19 children already registered for next year.

Nurture

  • Met to discuss photo directory.
  • Supported Confirmation and Mother’s Day events; assisting with graduation breakfast.

Outreach

  • Next meeting: June 19th.

Personnel/Lay Leader

  • Staff reviews scheduled for July 14th – 24th.
  • Pastor Charles departing in July; replacement search in progress.

Property

  • Roof repairs complete; awaiting infrared assessment.
  • New sacristy sink and countertop installed.
  • TLC Properties balance: May start – $25,004.70; May end – $25,016.70; $6,200 dispersed.
  • Ohio ProClean walk-through was positive; cost adjustments discussed.

Safety

  • No report

Senior Ministries

  • Planning June Columbus bus trip.
  • Lunches continue successfully.
  • Senior fall celebration planning underway.

Women and Children

  • Preschool director search ongoing.
  • VBS planning continues; snack donations needed.
  • Rummage sale raised over $8,400; remaining items donated to Savers.

Worship and Music

  • High Praise traveled to Buffalo, NY to perform at local churches.
  • Choir Camp (July 28th–31st) planning underway. Theme: “As for me and my house…”. Service project: Ronald McDonald House donations.
  • Broadway Revue rehearsals started; supported by grant from Ashland County Community Foundation.
  • Kim & Ron to attend ALMA Conference in Durham, NC in August.
  • Garden services scheduled: June 22nd, July 27th, August 10th.

Young Adult

  • Sunday School and home groups planned for fall.

Youth

  • Confirmation and Senior Recognition underway.

Adjournment

  • Meeting concluded with the Lord’s Prayer.