We live in a time when people are reluctant to commit, especially regarding church membership. Are there biblical reasons why a Christian should become a local church member? Yes, for the following reasons.

First, Jesus commanded membership. In Matthew 16:18, he said, “I will build my church.” He envisioned his church as those who confessed his name and were foundational to his body.

Second, the Old Testament supports church membership. The Israelites were God’s people under the Old Covenant. God commanded circumcision as a sign of that covenant relationship and membership in his covenant community (Genesis 17:7, 10-11). Non-Israelites had to be circumcised to be considered part of the covenant community and to participate in the Passover meal (Exodus 12:43-44, 48).

Third, the New Testament confirms church membership. Every convert to Jesus Christ was added to a local, visible church (Acts 2:41, 47; 14:21-23). They were baptized and incorporated into the local church to participate in the Lord’s Supper. It was unthinkable for a person to profess faith in Jesus and not become a local, visible church member.

Fourth, church order suggests church membership. The Bible assumes that professing Christians will become members of local, visible churches. God sets the requirements for admission (Acts 2:47). He directs the discipline of church members (Matthew 18:17; 1 Corinthians 5:4-5). He ordains that there be church officers such as pastors, elders, and deacons (Ephesians 4:11-12; Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 3:1-13). How can a church have officers if there are no members?

There are many other biblical reasons why a Christian should be a local church member. I trust these reasons are sufficient to persuade anyone who is not yet a local, visible church member to become one.

- Freddy Fritz

The Silent Generation might remember the heart-stopping words of Elvis or Frank or Nat. Baby Boomers long for love songs that only Marvin Gaye or the Righteous Brothers could create. Gen Xers know Whitney’s pipes can’t be topped when it comes to ballads of unending devotion, though Ms. Celine Dion sure tried. Millennials have a 1,000-year love to swoon over, and Gen Z believes Ed Sheeran got it “Perfect.”

Who defines love the best? Who best captures it? Praise God we know the greatest love story ever written, and we can read his love letter to us in scripture. From beginning to end, it tells of the perfect love of Christ. The generational singers certainly tried to give us the best love songs to stand the test of time, but the greatest love song is one our hearts have heard, even if our ears haven’t. Zephaniah 3:17 says he sings and rejoices over us because he has restored us to himself. Picture it! When was the last time you spent a few moments listening to his song to you? How often do you fill your thoughts with the lyrics of his promises? Why not put his love songs on repeat and let yourself get swept away by the one who truly holds your heart?

- Holly Mickler

Unfortunately, there are no more motel rooms available for the Church Retreat. Sign-ups are still open for the weekend if anyone is interested in staying in a RV or tent camping. Otherwise, day visitors are still very welcome to join for the day, but these visitors still need to complete a sign-up and choose meals.

The sign-up closes for everyone on Sunday, February 23, 2025.

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus promised to build his church. What does that mean for us in terms of our ministries, our opportunities for evangelizing, and our worship? What a blessing to live in such close proximity of the Ligonier National Conference! Registration for this April 10-12 conference is open, and you can even take advantage of some discounts until March 1.

Several members of TBPC are faithful attendees. Melissa Bayley shares, "Being present at Ligonier over many years has given me the opportunity to refresh my soul, strengthen my knowledge, see God at work, make new friends, and reconnect with old friends." Gary and Pat Smith have attended since 2009 and affirm, "We have never been disappointed." They add that the conference runs smoothly and efficiently, with every aspect helping them return home "edified, encouraged, and eager to return next year."

Click the photo above to learn more about the theme, speakers, and logistics.

What is the denomination of Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church?

We are part of the Presbyterian Church of America, which is commonly abbreviated as PCA.

What is General Assembly (GA)?

General Assembly is an annual business meeting of the Presbyterian Church in America. Our pastors (Teaching Elders) and church leaders (Ruling Elders) gather to study, discuss, debate, and decide biblical and ministry issues. Visitors are welcome to observe the proceedings and may sit in the visitor’s section of the Assembly Hall.

Side note: This year’s GA meeting will be held June 23-27 in Chattanooga, TN. Pastor Freddy and two Ruling Elders (Todd Bayley and Waldo Kemp) will be attending this year.

What is Presbytery?

The Presbytery consists of all the teaching elders and churches within its bounds that have been accepted by the Presbytery. All teaching elders and ruling elders as elected by their Session typically attend the meetings. The meetings are for the purpose of examining pastoral candidates and to receive dismiss, ordain, install, remove, and judge ministers; review records of church Sessions to ensure they have observed the Constitution of the Church; to see that lawful injunctions of the higher courts are obeyed; and to propose to the Assembly (GA) items that may be of common advantage to the Church at large (this is not an exhaustive list, you may read the full description in the Book of Church Order 13-9).

Can I attend a Presbytery meeting as a visitor?

Visitors are welcome to join them for worship and attend the meeting unless they go into Executive Session (for a short period). The next Presbytery meeting is on Saturday, February 8, at Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church. It begins at 8:30 a.m. with a Worship Service and concludes as late as 4:00 p.m. You may also attend as a volunteer (pick up food, set up before, serve, clean up after).

- Melissa Bayley

TBPC’s 2025 Missions Conference takes place February 14–16. Saturday night is our major event. After a wonderful meal you will hear from our missionaries attending the conference, be encouraged to Adopt-A-Missionary, and gain valuable information about our upcoming short-term missions trip. Our children will have a great time with an activity called Passport. Our keynote speaker, the Reverend Mark Bates, will address the question What is the Mission of the Church?

Sunday during our Sunday School classes and combined ABF classes, each missionary will talk about their respective ministry. During the worship service, Reverend Bates’ sermon will be God’s Vision for the World.

The question is not how will I benefit? Rather, how will I better understand serving the Lord as he advances and extends his Kingdom? You will see the glory of the mission of the Church in its relationship to God’s plan for his world in the vision he gave to Isaiah recorded in chapter 2. The hope is you will discern how the Lord desires you to take part in missions.

See you at the Missions Conference!

- Scott A. Simmons, on behalf of your 2025 Missions Conference Team

Dear TBPC Family,

NTCA is preparing for enrollment for the 2025/26 school year. Please join us in prayer for guidance and wisdom as we navigate through this process and welcome new families to our school.

We do have some fun events planned at school, such as a fire truck and a dentist visit. We will be celebrating our 100th day of school on February 12, so this will be a fun day of counting activities and special snacks.

If you would like to join our team, NTCA needs substitute teachers. We always need loving and caring people to help in the classroom, assisting teachers with the care and supervision of the children as well as supporting classroom management. Please contact me if you are interested or would like more information.

- Susanne Gonzalez, NTCA Director

"Saturday morning Men's Bible Study is a place where fellow Christ followers are engaged in the serious subject of understanding scripture. The use of a commentary as a guiding structure serves to focus the participants because it's easy to fall into rabbit trail distractions. I find the Men's Bible Study to be not only serious, but the men do engage in friendly banter" (Raymond Arias).

"God's word in Proverbs reads, 'Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.' The Men's Saturday morning Bible Study provides an opportunity for the men of our church to dig deeper into God's word, while at the same time, sharing knowledge and experience as we enjoy the fellowship of other like-minded believing men" (Rich Thompson).

"Our 8 a.m. Saturday morning Men's Bible Study provides a faithful fellowship where men can meet to study revealed truth, with the assistance of Jack Scott's, PhD. commentary, and discuss how it affects our daily reality" (Rod Proctor).

Do you enjoy making others feel welcome and creating community by reflecting God's love? Please consider the role of Hospitality Coordinator. Speak with Pastor Freddy for more information.

Has God gifted you with a love for children, particularly with skills in administration? TBPC is looking for a member to coordinate our Children's Ministry. Speak with Pastor Freddy for more information.

Hey, Global Kidz! It's time to get ready for the Missions Conference!

In Children's Church on Sunday, January 26:

• You will see your passport, write your name in it, and learn what it's for.
• We will take your passport picture.
  

In Children's Church on Sunday, February 9:

• You will glue your picture in your passport.

In Global Kidz time on Saturday, February 15:

• You can earn stamps in your passport for countries where TBPC missionaries are sharing the Good News about Jesus!

In Sunday School on Sunday, February 16:

• You can earn more stamps and listen to our missionaries.

In Children's Church on Sunday, February 16:

• You can win an inflatable globe if you have 6 stamps on your passport!

You did a fantastic job raising money to send to the kids in Haiti, so this is a time for you to know more about how you can pray for and help kids and grown-ups around the world!

- Eileen Fritz & Holly Huffer

Step 2) Have some fun pushing your brother!

(Photo/Eileen Fritz)

On January 12, the youth and their families enjoyed a night of fellowship, singing, and snacking on campfire treats. What a blessing to have generations worshipping together!

(Photo/Mike Cacioppo)

Bill & Ruth Clarke

Bill and Ruth are snowbirds from Maine and have attended TBPC for 2 years. They have jumped right into the life and ministry of the church.

Here are a few more things you can learn about Bill and Ruth:

What would you like us to know about you? Bill and Ruth homeschooled their 5 kids and now have 14 grandchildren! It's safe to say Nana and Pop Pop have many sources of joy!

How do you like to have fun? Bill and Ruth enjoy being outside! That might mean going to the beach, taking a walk, or riding a bike. They also enjoy eating out and catching a movie.

How is God working in your life, or what is a lesson he has taught you recently? Recently God has used difficult circumstances in their daughter's life to teach them a few lessons. They have been reminded that they are not immune from sin and division, and God has used this situation to teach them greater patience.

What is your favorite verse from Scripture? Bill's favorite is Ephesians 3:20, and Ruth's favorite is Philippians 4:4.

TBPC ladies, friends, and family enjoyed the Washburn baby shower at the home of Ashleigh Kemp on January 4, 2025. (Photo/Stephanie Smoot)

Cranberry Brie Bites (as tasted recently at Emily's baby shower)

Ingredients

• at least 1 tube of crescent rolls (one tube makes 12 bites)
• Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
• whole cranberry sauce
• chopped pecans
• rosemary sprigs

Directions

• Preheat oven according to crescent roll directions and grease standard muffin tin.
• Roll out crescent dough, piece the triangles together, and cut into squares that cover the bottom of the muffin space and come up the sides at least half an inch.
• In each one, place: a cube of Brie, a small spoonful of cranberry sauce, 4-5 pieces of chopped pecans, and top with 2-3 small rosemary sprigs.
• Cook according to crescent roll directions.
• Best if served warm (may microwave 20-30 seconds if needed before serving).

TBPC members and friends relaxed by a bonfire hosted by the Schultz family on January 17, 2025.

(Photo/Eileen Fritz, Waldo Kemp)

• Matthew Stringer - February 1
  
• Phil Lear - February 2
  
• Bob Brown - February 3
  
• Reagan Sauls - February 9
  
• Ray Arias - February 10
  
• Cherita Adawonu - February 11
  
• Josiah Massie- February 12
  
• Marita Elder - February 13
  
• Sima Kagalkar - February 14
  
• Tyler Wyss - February 15
  
• Alisa Carrier - February 17
  
• Holly Mickler - February 17
  
• Melissa Noel - February 17
  
• Joey Cacioppo - February 18
• Jacob Rush - February 18
• Jimmy Barber - February 21
• Todd Bayley - February 21
• LeeAnn DeStefano - February 21
• Thom Tigley - February 21

• Joel Braschler & Marisa Starr-Braschler - February 8, 2014
• Sunil Yerra & Esther Kakarla - February 8, 2006
• Ken & Stephanie Smoot - February 22, 2014
• Biansheng Sun & Lizhen Cheng - February 23, 1982
• Jack & Rebekah Cholak - February 24, 2024

“For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”

Romans 4:2 (ESV)

“Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Issac on the altar?"

James 2:21 (ESV)

This would appear to be contradictory, but it is not. To understand better, Dr. R.C. Sproul suggests that we should ask the question, “What problem or question are these two apostles trying to solve?” Paul is asking how an unjust person can stand justified before a holy God? And all his epistles direct us to faith alone in Christ alone. James, however, is asking what that claim of justification by faith looks like. James is saying if there are no works of obedience with the claim of faith, then that faith is a dead faith and does not justify. In other words, one’s works validate the claim of faith. James 2:14 reads, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?”

Each year I search for a devotional to read each morning, along with Scripture, to help me begin the day with a strong foundation. I am particularly fond of Puritan writers as they seem to write with such clarity and a passion for Christ. The new devotional I chose this year is Things Unseen: One Year of Reflections on the Christian Life by Dr. Sinclair Ferguson.

Dr. Ferguson is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow. We often take advantage of his teaching videos in our Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF) classes on Sunday mornings. If you have taken any of those classes, you may be able to hear his Scottish brogue as you read.

The format of the book is a particular theme for the week, with five days of short messages that expound on that theme. The messages were originally aired as podcasts, so they necessarily deliver the message clearly and concisely. The only thing I don’t like about the book is that there are only five entries for each week, so I miss it on Saturday and Sunday. I am glad I found this devotional.

- Submitted by Clydia Craig

Andy Jones gives 10 new books you might enjoy reading in 2025. Check it out here in this byFaith article!

This past month, the Diaconate continued to serve the church by:

• Providing financial assistance to individuals and families.
• Providing transportation to appointments for members.

Coming up in the next few weeks, the Diaconate plans to:

• Have the water tested to make sure it is safe for worshippers, ministries, and NTCA.
• Help with the Presbytery meeting held at TBPC (February 8).
• Help with the Missions Conference (February 14-16).

Once again, we would like to thank everyone for the generous contributions ($15,789.44) toward the End-of-Year Gift for the salary of the Associate Pastor of Youth and Family. This will be added to previous gifts, bringing the total to $41,923.44.

- Mike Rush

Click on the title above to be taken to the TBPC Calendar.

Sunday, February 2 at 5 p.m.

Sunday, February 16 at 5 p.m.

Tuesday, February 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Your help is requested, and your attendance is welcome at this meeting hosted by TBPC.

Saturday, February 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m

Tuesday, February 11 at 7 p.m.

Friday, February 14 to Sunday, February 16

(see church calendar for individual events and times)

Sunday, February 16 at 12:30 p.m.

Asian Buffet

1742 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Wesley Chapel

Interested in becoming a member of TBPC or simply learning more about us? Speak with Pastor Freddy or put a note on the Welcome Card.

Sunday, February 16 at 3 p.m.

Thursday, February 20

• Diaconate 5:30 p.m.
• Session 6:00 p.m

Men's Ministry is inviting all links-persons (men and women) for a fun night of mini-golf and fellowship!

Saturday, February 22 at 6 p.m.

PopStroke Mini-Golf

25297 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz

It is the goal of The Trumpet staff to provide articles for learning and growing, news for connecting with our church family, and information on opportunities for service and participation. The views and opinions expressed in The Trumpet have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Session.