Houston Trinity News

April 13, 2026

“Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road.”

Deuteronomy 6:7 ESV

Friends,

Stories that Matter. I like that sermon series title. I didn't create it, it was the recommended title from Discipleship Ministries. I still like it. It says so much without saying much. This coming week will be a week of stories for me. First, I will be officiating a graveside funeral service on Saturday. We will tell stories. It will be a small gathering, just family. We will take time to remember life. The life of the one lost and the impact of that life on everyone there. Those remembrances will come through stories.

Sunday evening, I will attend my 50th College reunion. That will be a time of stores as well. Stories of our days together all those many years ago. Stories of our lives since then. Stories about classmates that are no longer with us.

Stories are such an important part of our lives. Not just the ones about our lives but stories in general. Have you ever read a story to your children or grandchildren and watched as the amazement spread across their face, or the excitement came bubbling out in an onslaught of questions? Have you ever noticed that stories change demeanor; they can calm us or make us anxious.

Stories paint a picture of the past. They can project a picture of the future. They can illustrate our dreams, and they can comfort us when we hurt. Our story this Sunday will take place on a seven-mile stretch of road between Jerusalem and Emmaus. What an amazing story it is. So reminiscent of ourselves. Often wandering, often wondering. Telling stories to remind ourselves of what was. In a way using stories to comfort us in times of pain. Using stories to try and come to grips with the events that surround us. Then missing the greatest story that is standing or walking with us.

Join us this week as we walk to Emmaus, eat dinner, then run back to Jerusalem. It is a story that matters.

God bless you. See you Sunday

This Week's Scriptures

<span><i><b>13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles a from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19 He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” 25 Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.</b></i></span>

13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles a from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19 He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” 25 Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” 33 That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Luke 24:13-35 (NRSV)

Calendar Reminders - April

April 7 - Bible Study - ZOOM - 7:30 - Exodus - led by Pastor Manuel

April 9 - Wednesday Night Bible Study - TBD- 6:30 - in person and ZOOM

April 12 - Sunday Worship - Second Sunday of Easter

Confirmation

April 13 - Bible Study - ZOOM - 7:30 - Exodus - led by Pastor Manuel

April 15 - Wednesday Night Bible Study - Job- 6:30 - in person and ZOOM

April 19 - Sunday Worship - Third Sunday of Easter

April 20 - Bible Study - ZOOM - 7:30 - Exodus - led by Pastor Manuel

April 22 - Wednesday Night Bible Study - Job - 6:30 - in person and ZOOM

April 24 - Youth Night

April 25 - Women of Faith Prayer Meeting

April 26 - Sunday Worship - Fourth Sunday of Easter

Council Meeting

April 27 - Bible Study - ZOOM - 7:30 - Exodus - led by Pastor Manuel

April 29 - Wednesday Night Bible Study - Job - 6:30 - in person and ZOOM

May 3 - Sunday Worship - Firth Sunday of Easter

Communion

March 29 - Sunday Worship - Palm Sunday

March 30 - Bible Study - ZOOM - 7:30 - Exodus - led by Pastor Manuel

Join us to find out what we are listening for.

New Sermon Series - Stories That Matter

The season of Easter, or Eastertide, is a time of embracing the promise and hope of Resurrection. It is a time of leaning into the stories that matter. Come and gather around the stories of those who wrestled with the Easter event and some of the words of preparation that Jesus gave to help us live the reality of eternity now.

It is clear from these stories that Jesus wanted to equip us to thrive in a season of Easter promise. This season, we hope you’ll engage in stories that matter.

Series Titles

April 12 - Unless I See

April 19 - Astounded Us

April 26 - Knowing That Voice

May 3 - You Know the Way

May 10 - The Story Abides

May 17 - So That They May be One

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Prayer Meeting Time Change

Our Monthly Prayer Meeting will be at 11:00 am on April 24th instead of our normal time in the afternoon.

Make sure to change your calendars.

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Youth Night

Put a placeholder on your calendar today! Don't miss another Youth Night. Join us April 24th at 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall for a meal, for sharing, for games and a great way to spend a Friday night with friends.

Watch for an email coming soon with more information.

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2026 Congregational Focus Corner

Prayer

April Prayer Focus - John 11:25

“I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live,.."

Our prayer focus in April is an important Easter reminder. The resurrection of our Lord and Savior is also our resurrection.

As Jesus rose from the dead, we too will have eternal life through the gift our Savior to each of us. Believe in him, he says and eternal life is ours. Drink of the water that he brings and never thirst again.

As we continue to walk our prayer journey this year pray daily to understand where our faith lies. Pray daily to understand that the power of men is nothing compared to the power of God. pray daily that we, the body, the church are beholden only to Christ, not to men.

If you are interested in being a part of the planning for our monthly prayer focus, please contact Mel Bernardo or any member of the Prayer Team.

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Community Outreach/Missions

We are nearing the first actions of our Missional Community program. Stay tuned for exciting information of the first effort we are taking in our community.

If you are interested in helping, please contact Velma Bailey, Mei Mei or any member of our Outreach committee.

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Prayer Corner

Please let Nini or me know if you would like to have your prayer request added to the newsletter.

This weeks' prayer requests.

Prayers for Healing

Jose Liwanag
Saffa Gabba
Veronica Crisologo
Christopher Hilton
Bruce Jocz
Pam Custer
Anita Solas
Louise Mosley
Michael Bhola
Jared Davis
Rev. Steven Newcombe - FUMC Houston
Bill Robinson
Edgar Campbell
Josh Bridges
Florante Paz
Fawn Cumby
Christian Mirasol
Leticia Abenojar
Cheryl's sister Juanita
Ruben Paz
Shellie Robertson
Ben Flores
Don Kirkpatrick
Melinda Rodiek

Prayers for Comfort

Linda Litt and her children and stepchildren in their time of grief.

Prayers for the World

The peace of God to reign.

For the Marvin Rader School

Open Hearts and Minds; Eyes that See and Ears that Hear

Houston Trinity United Methodist Church

April Prayer Focus - John 11:25

“I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live,.."

Loving God, each day of this Easter Season is a day for us to remember the grace, glory and gift of our resurrected Savior, Jesus Christ.

We come to you in prayer of confession of what we have done and what we have not done. A prayer of confession that we have walked into the world and failed to notice those around us who are suffering, who are abandoned, who are ignored or marginalized.

We come to you in prayer for our church. A prayer of hope. A prayer of love for those we gather with. A prayer of comfort those among us who are hurting. A prayer of safety for those among us who are traveling. A prayer of guidance for those among us who feel lost or alone.

We come to you in prayer for our community. For those among us who are lost, who have not heard the good news of our Savior Jesus Christ. For those in our community who need to be lifted up, held up, or loved because they feel none of those.

We come to you in prayer for our country. For our leaders. For those in power who make decisions that impact millions of people. We pray for an attitude of justice, peace and love. We pray for a willingness to the kind of mercy that you show for everyone one of us.

We come Lord, praying that your Spirit will continue to burn in our hearts, that the words of Jesus will be our example and that we will reflect your love to all the world.

Loving God, we come to you with thankful hearts for the grace that you pour upon us every minute of every day.

We pray all this in the name of your son, our Redeemer, our Savior, Jesus Christ,

AMEN