The Apostle Paul writes the following words to the saints who were in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus. These words also address the church in our day – today!
Ephesians 4:11-13 read, “Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, the measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.”
Did you know that, in my position as your pastor, God’s Word says I am your gift? Really, you might say! Pastor Daren is God’s gift to the congregation? That’s what Jesus says anyway!
No, it’s true. My job (my calling from God) is to prepare you for the work of ministry in, and through this congregation. The Bible says it is so!
I thought for my February 2026 newsletter article (The Trinity Times), I would summarize what I shared with the congregation during the annual meeting of the congregation on Sunday, January 25th.
There were three things I shared with the church family, and answers to another question from the floor that you may find interesting.
First thing – No, Jan and I are not moving away from Aledo, at least not soon. Over the last couple of months, I’ve responded to people’s questions – Are you guys retiring? Are you leaving Trinity Church or moving away from Aledo? No – I am not retiring, nor do we have plans to move (not yet, anyway). We are praying for God to make clear such questions and answers.
Second thing – Since last March, I’ve been working with a counselor in order to find some healing from the spiritual battlefield upon which we war against the evil one. I’m also learning for ways to strengthen my ministry to you and others. I call it “recentering” my pastoral ministry or “reorienting” it.
Third thing – This fall, November 1st, we mark our 25th year at Trinity Church and Aledo. I don’t know why I feel inclined to share that information. It’s a milestone, and a significant one at that. It’s a very long period of time.
What good things have taken place that motivated you over the last year? 10 kids in Pastor’s Class! 8-10 people in Discovery Class! A number of people coming to saving faith in Jesus! The women’s retreat in April! The Fall Festival in October! All of these plus many additional things have charged up my batteries!
There are probably many other things I can mention about last year, or include in the pastor’s report for the present year. Let’t get a coffee and talk about what the Lord is doing in your life.
I’m genuinely interested. I can also use our time to update you on my granddaughters! (just kidding…sort of).
I leave you with these words of wisdom: There’s a fine line between a long, drawn-out
sermon and a hostage situation. See you Sunday!
Trinity Presbyterian Church 