The Trumpet

In the USA, May is often a month when some celebrate graduating from a preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school, college, and so on. It is an accomplishment that ought to be celebrated. But how should Christians think about celebrating such things—or any other thing, for that matter?

Let me briefly suggest some thoughts about personal celebrations.

First, celebrate God’s work, not just achievement. Isaiah 41:10b says, “I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Christians believe that God strengthens and helps us to accomplish everything in life. So, it is right to celebrate God’s work in us and through us.

Second, don’t mistake milestones for fulfillment. Milestones and achievements never bring the deep fulfillment we desire. There will always be another milestone along the way. I often address parents at our preschool’s 4-year-old graduation and say something like, “Congratulations on the first of many graduations that you will attend!” Graduations matter, but eternal life in glory represents the final milestone where we will find fulfillment in God’s presence for all eternity.

Third, give thanks to God and remember what he has done. Gratitude directs our attention away from ourselves toward God and others who have helped us accomplish what we have done.

Fourth, continue developing the gifts that God has given you. God has given every person gifts to be used to bring glory and honor to him. The greatest stewardship Christians have is not in what we receive but in what God gives through us to serve others. Every graduation celebrates not just personal achievement but a growing appreciation for the gifts God wants to deploy in his service.

Finally, mark the moment. Graduations and celebrations are ways to mark the moment that God has given. Intentionally revisit these meaningful experiences to thank God for the accomplishment and the preparation for the next phase of life. In all things, remember to glorify God in everything that he has done in you.

- Freddy Fritz

Please join us in congratulating:

* David Otero - Classical Conversations (homeschool high school)

* Reagan Sauls - Marchman Technical College (cosmetology program)

* Stephanie Riley’s granddaughter, Adreana Cinnante - Pasco-Hernando State College (associate's degree)

Students from every level gave small speeches, including our newest American citizen, who passed her Citizenship Exam the day before.

We performed a Biblical skit about Jesus feeding the 5000 and ended the party by singing This is the Day That the Lord Has Made.

All who attended were blessed with great food, fun, and fellowship.

- Karen Cross

Dear TBPC Family,

This Easter season was a joyful time at NTCA as we focused on its true meaning. One of our special highlights and treasured traditions is our Easter centers, where children engage in meaningful experiences that bring the Easter story to life. It is such a joy to see the children participating and grasping all that Jesus has done for us.

We’ve also enjoyed fun spring activities filled with learning and exploring, along with excitement on our new play structure, bringing even more laughter and friendship to our school.

We are grateful for all God has provided and his continued faithfulness. As we prepare to close another school year, we reflect on the many blessings we’ve shared together. Thank you for all the prayers, encouragement, and support.

With gratitude & blessings,

Susanne Gonzalez, NTCA Director

Members of the Women's Small Group joined with the regularly faithful TBPC volunteers to serve at the RUF outreach meal on April 14, 2026.

(Photo/Cheri Grosz)

This past weekend was the 6th Church Retreat held on the beautiful grounds of Lakewood Retreat in Brooksville. We had a group of 34 people staying over the full weekend, and another 34 people joined us for the day on Saturday.

Our sessions, led by Pastor John, focused on seeing how the whole Bible points to Christ – sometimes in the small details and other times in big, obvious ways – but always evidencing one Author who, from the start, had a plan to redeem us!

It was a great opportunity to get to know one another better, with lots of fun at our Bingo night, field games, board games, or simply relaxing in the rockers on the patio, catching up with others. If you missed out this year, we hope to see you at our next retreat! More details to follow soon…

- Ashleigh Kemp

(Photo/Eileen Fritz, Andrea Schultz, and Ashleigh Kemp)

This past month, the youth group continued learning about the attributes of God in Sunday School. And in our evening meeting on April 12, we discussed the importance of prayer as a means of grace. We also had a blast at the church retreat!

- John Revell

Click the button below to register your lad or lassie for VBS! Speak with Mike and Toni Cacioppo for more information or to see where help is needed.

Matthew and Tiffany Stronger have attended TBPC for about a year and a half, joining us in September 2024. Matthew has jumped in to teach youth Sunday School for Pastor John when needed.

Tell us a little bit about your family and how you like to spend your time.

We are both network engineers, and we love to travel and experience new places.

What do you enjoy about TBPC?

The teaching!

If you could instantly master any skill or talent, what would you pick?

I'd say piano because learning the hard way is quite time-consuming.

Which person in the Bible (other than Jesus) do you think would make the best dinner guest?

Paul. I could ask him exactly what he meant in Romans. Maybe I'd finally get it (unlikely).

What lesson has God been teaching you?

Patience and obedience seem to be the big lessons for us as of late.

What is your favorite hymn?

Amazing Grace

What is your favorite Scripture?

2 Corinthians 12:9. This is a much-needed reminder that our weakness is not failure but rather the chance for Christ's power to be perfected in us.

And one more question. If Pastor Freddy was a superhero, what would his superpower be?

The ability to slow time.

Joe & Nancy Kirkpatrick - May 8, 1953

Ryan & Cheri Grosz - May 17, 1980

John & Hannah Revell - May 17, 2015

Chris & Ashley Powe - May 19, 2012

David & Holly Mickler - May 21, 2006

John & Karen Stodghill - May 23, 1986

"It is always hard to see the purpose in wilderness wanderings until after they are over."

- John Bunyon (Imprisoned Puritan Preacher, 1628 -1688)

(Click the photo for other quotes from The Pilgrim's Progress.)

Use the button below to check out TGC's 2025 Book Award winners in the following categories:

History and Biography

Cultural Apologetics

Ministry

Christian Living

First-Time Author

Children's

Theological Studies

Biblical Studies

Devotional Literature

Missions and the Global Church

• With the help of so many wonderful members of the church, the Diaconate was able to get the church ready for the Maundy Thursday service, Good Friday service, Easter breakfast, Easter service, and the ESL End of Year Lunch.
• You may have also noticed we purchased signs for the Good Friday and Easter services.
• We are now looking to repair the monument and pole signs as they have some damage done to them.
• We are also working to get all of the paperwork for our Child Protective Training updated and organized. Another Child Protective training class will be offered in May, so please see the bulletin for details if you are interested.
• At the time of this writing we are about $12,000 behind our budget for the General Fund.

- Mike Rush

As the deacons continue to serve in the areas of benevolence, mercy, and the upkeep of the church’s facilities, we always welcome any assistance. If you have an area of expertise and are willing to offer your services (plumbing, electrical, landscape, etc.), we would appreciate any and all help. You can contact any of the Deacons (David Cross, Michael Rush, and Derk Shultz - Deacon in Training), or either of the Deacon Assistants (David Lehmann and Ken Smoot) or email us by using the button below.

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

Friday, May 1 at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 3 at 12:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 3, 17, and 31 at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, May 6 at 7 p.m.

Sunday, May 10

Sunday, May 10 at 3 p.m.

Sunday, May 10 and 24 from 5 - 7 p.m.

Sunday, May 10 and 24 at 6 p.m.

Sunday, May 17 at 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 20 at 7 p.m.

Thursday, May 21

• Diaconate 5:30 p.m.
• Session 6 p.m

Friday, May 22

Saturday, May 23 at 6 p.m.

Church Offices Closed on Monday, May 25

Saturday, May 30 at 10 a.m.

Sunday, May 31 at 12:30 p.m.

We are excited to share that our church is now on Instagram. Follow us at @TampaBayPresbyterianChurch for updates on services, events, and church life. Please consider sharing our page with others to help extend our ministry. Scan the QR code or click the link to check it out!

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.