The Trumpet

Our 2026 – 2027 ministry year begins on Sunday, September 13, 2026. Most of our ministries take off from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The purpose of this break is to give ministry team members and their leaders a chance to rest. So, hopefully, everyone is rested, refreshed, and ready to resume our 2026 – 2027 ministry year!

New Tampa Christian Academy (NTCA) started classes on Monday, August 14, 2026. NTCA is offering classes every weekday for 2-, 3-, and 4-year-old students. Amanda Randall is our new NTCA Director. On short notice, she has done an excellent job of preparing for the new preschool year. We are encouraged to report once again that we have a full enrollment, with several prospective students on the waiting list.

On Sunday, September 13, we plan to resume our Sunday school classes. There will be classes at 9:15 a.m. for students of all ages, including elementary students, youth, and adults.

Morning Worship Services will continue on Sundays at 10:45 a.m.

Evening Worship Services, which had been on hold during the summer, will remain on pause in the fall. The Session wants to encourage Youth Ministry, which will meet on Sunday evenings, to grow and flourish.

The Men’s Bible Study will begin meeting on Saturday morning, September 19, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. in the Youth Room. Led by Rod Proctor, the men are continuing their study in a Survey of the Old Testament. The Men’s Discipleship Group will also begin meeting on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. in my study. We will study Essentials of Reformed Systematic Theology as our guide this year. After spending time in God’s word, all men are invited to continue their fellowship over breakfast at a local restaurant.

The Women’s Bible Studies begin on Monday and Tuesday, September 14 and 15, 2026. They will be studying Part 2 in A Survey of Church History by Dr. Robert Godfrey. The Monday group will meet 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Zoom, and the Tuesday morning group will meet from 10:00 a.m. until noon. The leaders for the various WBS are Eileen Fritz and Debbie Jordan.

The Youth Ministry meets on Sundays. They will have Sunday school classes at 9:15 a.m. in the Youth Room. In addition, they will meet on Sunday evenings at 5:00 p.m. Pastor John Revell leads our Youth Ministry.

English as a Second Language (ESL) classes start after Labor Day on September 8, 2026. This ministry has really grown over the past few years under the leadership of Karen Cross.

As we begin this new ministry year, let me encourage you to get involved in a ministry at the church. The Bible teaches that every Christian is part of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). There are many opportunities to serve in our church family. All ministries are looking for team members. Contact a ministry team member to volunteer your time and talent!

Pray that the Lord will glorify himself in our service to him this coming year. Pray that the church of Jesus Christ will be strengthened and grow in health. And pray that those outside the church family may come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, so that we may all grow to maturity in Christ.

- Freddy Fritz

1. What desires has God given me? Are there things God has naturally placed on your heart that catch your attention? Do you notice the woman sitting alone and want immediately to welcome her? Do you notice the coffee is empty and realize you should refill it? Do you hear a theological error and want to have a conversation to help the person think it through from a different perspective? Think about whose needs you notice first. Think about the conversations you naturally gravitate towards.

2. What abilities has God given me? Where am I actually effective and not merely enthusiastic? Not every desire or emotional response automatically means a spiritual gift is there. Desire is not the same thing as calling, so ask yourself, "Has God actually equipped me to serve this way?" It's also true that we often assume our abilities don't match a ministry because we don't know enough about what the ministry does. You may not be in a season of life to work directly with children, but you may have administrative skills that would allow you to manage the schedule of people who would work directly with them. So, talk to ministry leaders and ask if there is a way your abilities could serve a purpose. You may discover your gifts by serving rather than before serving. God often reveals where we're useful to his church while we're faithfully making ourselves available to his church. And sometimes obedience comes before desire.

3. What does the church recognize in me? Where do pastors, elders, ministry leaders, and other mature Christians repeatedly affirm you? Maybe they come to you to help you understand a passage. Or perhaps they ask for your advice in a crisis. Do they ask you often to pray for them? Where do others see fruit from your involvement around the church? Ask a mature believer who knows you well, "Where do you see God use me for the benefit of his people and church?"

Ministry. We’re all called to it. And maybe you’re feeling convicted about it. The truth is, most of us feel a little clueless about it. But God has never required us to have it all figured out before he uses us. He calls us to be faithful with what he has given us, right where he has placed us.

- Holly Mickler

On August 1, 2026, several TBPC members attended Faith Day at the Tampa Bay Rays baseball game, organized by the Men’s Ministry. I brought my RV, and we had a tailgate party before the game, which included hot dogs, hamburgers, and drinks for everyone who attended.

This was a special day at the ballpark because the Rays would have their regular game against the Chicago White Sox. And they won the game!

At the end of the game, some Christian players for the Rays were interviewed and spoke about living out their faith in God while still playing professional baseball. Many of the players reiterated how God needs to be a part of their lives, and they look to God to keep them focused on their families, their jobs, and their faith. They talked about how their Lord and Savior was still the most important part to them.

We had 25 people attend, and everyone enjoyed the day, from the tailgate starting at 2, on to the game, and finally with the interviews that lasted until 8:30 PM. We finished with prayer and singing, enjoying a good day, some entertainment, and Christian faith.

The Men’s Ministry appreciates the fun and fellowship we enjoy with our Christian brothers and sisters and looks forward to other events throughout the year.

- Brian Carrier

During September, we’re collecting fabric donations from our church family to create handmade burp cloths for the Oasis Pregnancy Center. These soft, lovingly sewn burp cloths will be a practical and comforting gift for the mothers and babies Oasis serves.

If you have cotton or flannel fabric (or fabric remnants) you’d like to donate, please bring them to church during September. There will be a donation box located in the copy room. Please make sure donations are at least 1 yard of fabric.

Thank you for helping us support local moms and babies with something handmade and given with love! We will set a date for sewing the burp cloths in October.

- Brandi Shultz

What a joyful first week of preschool! Our students have been busy making new friends, learning classroom routines, and getting comfortable with their new surroundings. We are so proud of how well everyone is settling in. We are especially grateful for a staff that loves, teaches, and pours into these precious little ones. Please continue to pray that God will guide our teachers and bless each child throughout the school year. “Children are a gift from the Lord” (Psalm 127:3).

- Amanda Randall, NTCA Director

If your family is anything like mine, then one of the best parts of August is the return of some structure! As much as I enjoyed not having to get up at the crack of dawn, having the family back into some more productive routines has been very helpful. As we move into September, let us also make sure we are building a routine of regularly spending time as a family in God's word. Do not underestimate the importance and impact this has on your children's lives.

Michael and Melissa Kruger released a new family devotional book a couple of months ago called The Good News Family Devotional. Click below for a PDF sample of the book. It can be purchased from the PCA Bookstore or other book retailers.

Sunday School restarts on September 13. We continue to use the "Show Me Jesus" curriculum by Great Commission Publications. For the next three months, we will learn about obedience to God. In our Children's Church classes, we continue to use the "Growing in God's Word" lessons from Ligonier Ministries.

I am praying that all our children had a great start to their academic years and that they build healthy habits of spending time in God's word. Please let me know if you have any specific prayer items that the children's ministry team can be praying for.

- Ashleigh Kemp

Would you like to start a time of family worship? Wondering how to get it going or refine what you have in place? Check out this article from the PCA's Children's Ministry team.

As we enter into the next school year, we also enter into the next ministry year. Our new 6th and 7th graders are on the verge of joining the regular youth group meetings, and our youth ministry is about to kick into high gear. We enjoyed our first kick-off event at the Schultz home on August 23, where we shared food, fellowship, and a Q & A time on understanding the gospel.

On September 13, Sunday School and evening youth events begin. In Sunday School (9:15-10:15 a.m.), we will discuss Covenant Theology. On Sunday evenings (5-7 p.m.), the middle school will go through the Westminster Shorter Catechism, while high school covers hard passages of Scripture and apologetics.

A great way to support the youth is through food! If anyone in the church would like to provide a Sunday evening meal for the youth and youth leaders, please contact me.

- John Revell

(Photo/Stephanie Smoot)

The ladies of TBPC hosted a baby shower for Emily Washburn on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Everyone is excited to welcome the new addition soon! (Photo/Stephanie Smoot)

Here's one key principle on Scripture interpretation - one that has certainly not been prominent in modern times. And yet, as obscure as it will sound to modern ears, this principle was foundational for the bulk of church history - from the early church fathers into the post-Reformation period. I first came across this principle in Augustine, but John Calvin makes use of it as well.

The Principle: Sometimes the Scriptures refer to Christ and His Church using the same designation on account of their mystical union. References to Christ and his people often fit seamlessly together in the Scriptures.

Augustine goes on to cite Galatians 3:29 where it says those who belong to Christ are “Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” But just before this in Galatians 3:16, the Apostle Paul states that the one, singular offspring mentioned in Genesis 12:7 refers to Jesus Christ. Taking these verses together, we can see how this principle is at work. Christ is THE Offspring of Abraham, but if we are in Christ, we too are his offspring. Augustine then quotes Isaiah 61:10 as his main proof-text for this principle: “For he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels” (NKJV). We see here how the Scriptures seamlessly refer to both the bridegroom and the bride. This clothing of salvation belongs to Christ, and in union with him, it belongs to the Church as well. If Christ is the head and the Church is his body, how could they not be so unified?

Click below to continue the article.

- John Revell

"Now it is very remarkable that the only passage in the whole New Testament in which the heart of Jesus is distinctly mentioned (is what) Jesus Christ says concerning himself— 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.' "

Charles Haddon Spurgeon on Matthew 11:28-29 (1834-1892) - English preacher

- Submitted by Eileen Fritz

According to Campegius Vitringa, cross-bearing is a vital element of the Christian life; it “involves patiently and even joyously bearing the reproaches, troubles, setbacks, injuries, persecutions, afflictions, and all sorts of evil decreed by God to test the faith of believers or to perfect their sanctification (1 Peter 2:25; 3:17).”

For Vitringa, self-denial is not only the renunciation of sin and vice, but also a willingness to set aside anything that would hinder the glory of God and our communion with him. The Christian must walk the path of repentance, as well as moderation, because his highest joy is not in earthly things but in God himself.

Vitringa proceeds to consider several lists of virtues and vices, but then he discusses his own arrangement of the vices. Based on Titus 2:11-12, he states that all vices stem from impiety and worldly lust:

“Injustice, malice, idolatry, superstition, profaneness, and irreverence for holy things are species of impiety. And all other faults can be traced back to lust - that is, an immoderate and overweening affection and desire toward some carnal thing.” But Vitringa then broadens his list to five vices in total: “impiety, malice, injustice, lust (an inordinate love for oneself and for carnal things), and finally, laziness.”

We often neglect this discipline of studying and turning away from vice. Neither do we often cultivate the study and practice of the virtues. A common list combines the three chief virtues listed in 1 Corinthians 13:13 (faith, hope, and love) with the four cardinal virtues of the ancient world (prudence, fortitude, justice, and temperance). Though ancient pagans utilized them, the four cardinal virtues can easily be drawn from Scripture as well (Proverbs 13:6; 14:8,15; 20:1; 24:5; 29:11; Isaiah 1:17; Ezek. 16:49; Gal. 5:22-23; Phil. 4:8).

The list that Vitringa favors he draws directly from Titus 2:11-12, reducing the number of virtues to just three: piety (which includes everything in our relationship with God), justice (which includes everything that relates to our neighbor), and temperance (which includes everything that relates to ourselves).

Vitringa then goes on to expand these three virtues into six headings as he reflects on the character of our Lord Jesus Christ: 1) reverence and love for God 2) goodness 3) purity and holiness 4) humility and lowliness of spirit 5) contempt for the things of the world 6) diligence…

For the rest of the article, see the link below.

- John Revell

This month, the Diaconate has been working to improve the look of the narthex, which also helps make more room for everyone on Sunday mornings. We have assembled and installed 2 coffee carts. The narthex was painted at the end of August. With the help of a very skillful and talented member of the congregation, the cabinet, mirror, and welcome desk were painted and given “a refresh.” Our plans include the replacement of the chandelier, as it is becoming a fire hazard and also shows its age. We are installing some wall decor, updating the bookcase, and possibly installing a feature wall.

The monument and pole signs are still awaiting refreshment, and the company promises that it will be done in the near future. Also, the Facilities Planning Committee is waiting on a response to get more information.

The Diaconate started a Safety Team and would like to know of anyone interested in joining the team. This team is to provide safety support on Sunday mornings. There are two roles available: one for those with a medical background (to provide assistance should a medical need arise) and the second is for men interested in being an observer in the narthex during the Worship service. Please contact Mike Rush (813-995-5865) if interested.

- Mike Rush

(Photo/Melissa Bayley)

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.

Wednesday, September 2 at 7 p.m.

Sunday, September 6 at 12:30 p.m.

Monday, September 7

Saturday, September 12 at 8:30 a.m.

Sunday, September 13 at 9:15 a.m. (and every Sunday morning to follow)

Sunday, September 13, from 5-7 p.m.

Thursday, September 17

• Diaconate 5:30 p.m.
• Session 6 p.m

Saturday, September 19 at 8 a.m. (and every Saturday morning to follow)

Sunday, September 20 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.