The Trumpet
The Four-Way Test for Social Media
When I was a boy growing up in South Africa, my Dad joined the Rotary Club. The Rotary Club is committed to “providing service to others, promoting integrity, and advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.”
Dad shared with me that Rotarians are committed to what they call “The Four-Way Test.” The Four-Way Test is a moral code used for personal and business relationships. The test applies to what members think, say, or do.
Herbert J. Taylor, a committed Christian, developed the Four-Way Test. He was called to lead a company out of the brink of bankruptcy. He decided that what was needed was a simple, easily remembered guide to proper conduct. He read many books, but the correct phrases eluded him. Finally, he turned to the Lord to give him an answer. He prayed and asked the Lord for help. After a while, he picked up a piece of paper and wrote down twenty-four words that revolutionized his business and were eventually adopted by Rotary International:
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
These four questions will be helpful to those posting on any social media platform.
I have noticed that sometimes people post things on social media that cannot stand the Four-Way Test. What they post may be true, but perhaps not fair to all concerned. It also does not build goodwill and better friendships, but promotes disharmony and destroys friendships. And so on.
Social media is not the place to carry on a debate or dialogue. It is the place to connect with friends and build better relationships.
So, let me encourage you to use the Four-Way Test and ask yourself the four questions each time you post something on social media. Please don't post if your post fails one of the four questions. Your post will hurt rather than help you. And it will most likely do the same to others.
- Freddy Fritz
"May" Blessings
As we flip to May on the calendar, the school year is coming to an end, and summer is on its way. Very often, May brings with it a season of goodbyes between friends, family members, teachers, church family, and so on. Our kids move on to the next grade and teacher, or maybe our family moves to a new area completely. We go on vacations and miss those dear to us until we return. We take a much-needed respite from many ministries, but we miss those we serve and the ones who serve with us. Summer, despite its excitement and rest, can bring separation, so soak in these May blessings, and share them with others.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
-Romans 15:13
May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans!
-Psalm 20:4
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us.
-Psalm 67:1
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
-Philippians 1:9-11
- Holly Mickler
Associate Pastor Search Committee Update
We are excited for a visit from our candidate for the Associate Pastor role, John Revell, from May 16 - 18. John is currently the Youth and Family Pastor at Lakeland Presbyterian Church in Flowood, Mississippi.
You are invited to meet John and his wife, Hannah, along with their two boys, Ethan (5 yrs) and Gideon (1yr), at a congregational potluck on Saturday, May 17 from 5 - 8 p.m. at the church. Look out for more details in your next church bulletin.
The full schedule for the weekend is as follows:
- Friday, May 16 (6:30 p.m.) - Dinner with the Search Committee
- Saturday, May 17 (9:30 a.m.) - Meet with the TBPC Session
- Saturday, May 17 (5 p.m.) - Congregational Potluck
- Sunday, May 18 (9:15 a.m.) - Teach Youth Sunday School class
- Sunday, May 18 (10:45 a.m.) - Preach at Worship Service
- Sunday, May 18 (5 p.m.) - Attend Youth gathering
Please pray for John, his family, and our church as we look forward and plan for their time with us.
- Ashleigh Kemp
Missions Giving
This Missions Committee wishes to thank the congregation for their generosity to the Missions Fund over the past fiscal year. Your generosity enabled our church to give one-time gifts in response to specific needs and requests of our missionaries:
$3,000 for Docine Church and School Construction in Haiti (Esaie Etienne)
$3,000 for PS78 Teachers Administrative Support Fund (Carla Stevens)
$3,000 for Belmopan, Belize Church Plant, Great Commission Presbyterian Church (John Stodghill)
- Michael Bridges
Praying for Missionaries - Part 2
Below is an article by Chelsea Rollman that gives us ideas for how we can pray for global missions. Not only do we encourage our members to pray for our specific TBPC missionaries and their needs, but this list helps us to know how we can include the "bigger picture" of missions in our prayers as well.
- Submitted by Michael Bridges
(The article was originally published by www.mtw.org and is republished with permission tied to the 2025 Missionary Profiles booklet, Feb 2025).
The Barbers and the Bulls
If you want to serve some grateful, high-energy college students, you should prayerfully consider being part of a well-oiled machine the Barbers are operating once a month on Tuesday evenings. With the financial support of the Missions Committee, Bert and Cheryl prepare a meal fit for a restaurant menu and then they, along with a crew of volunteer servers, dish out meals for 75-125 USF students at the Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) gathering. Many TBPC members have chipped in by providing a dessert or their plastic-gloved hands and time, and all would agree the opportunity brought smiles to their faces and joy to their hearts because the students are pure delight to join in fellowship for a few hours (and the TBPC volunteers aren't too bad either)!
One young lady couldn't wait to share her adoration of Cheryl and this ministry. "I love the weeks Ms. Cheryl's crew comes! I want to be her when I grow up!" Even these college students can see what great gifts God has given the Barbers and what a great opportunity we all have to join them in ministry. If you'd like more information or are interested in serving next semester, please talk with Bert or Cheryl.
- Holly Mickler
Calling Moms of Young Children
Women’s Bible Study is hosting a Bible Study just for you this summer. We will be using Engaging Motherhood: Heart Preparation for a Holy Calling by Holly Mackle.
Engaging Motherhood is a place for moms of young children to connect and beat back loneliness, to be reminded of truth when lies scream so loudly, and to be assured that we are enough because Christ is enough. Written by seven women with one heart, it seeks to prepare mamas for the days when sin flares up, expectations go unmet, relationships are strained, or the line between the rational and the irrational blurs. Allow your gaze to be lifted from the stifling how-tos of raising a child to Christ’s sufficiency in meeting your every need along the way.
Some details:
- Saturday morning meetings will run June 6 - August 2, with a break on July 4.
- Meetings will last an hour and a half and will begin at either 9:00, 9:30, or 10:00, depending on the vote of participating moms.
- The cost is $5 (or free with scholarship).
- Childcare is free.
- Debbie Jordan
Women's Bible Study Update
This season of Women’s Bible Study is coming to and, but we have enjoyed diving deeper into the book of Acts using Saved: Experiencing the Promise of the book of Acts by Nancy Guthrie. Acts is a book I’ve read multiple times, but with every lesson I have so many new takeaways. With the help of the author, the lesson leaders, and all the women who share their interesting thoughts and perspectives, I’m able to leave each Bible study more knowledgeable than before.
This book has illuminated the wonderful promises of God outlined in the book of Acts. Reading about the apostles' sacrifices in spreading the gospel message and learning more of their love of Christ has inspired me to do the same. I’m looking forward to completing the book and continuing to learn and grow from these stories.
- Trudy-Ann Linton
The Gospel Coalition Women's Initiatives
Looking for a good study to do? A new podcast? How about a weekly newsletter geared towards women? The Gospel Coalition (TGC) has some fabulous resources you can peruse. Courtney Doctor and Melissa Kruger share deep truths of God in an excellent weekly podcast. Also, at the bottom of the TGC Women link below, you can enter your email address to subscribe to short, digestible newsletters.
Men's Ministry
TBPC men enjoyed food and fellowship at their quarterly Men's Breakfast on Saturday, April 5. Robert "Bert" Barber delivered a message titled "Run the Christian Race with Endurance." The content of his presentation was based on Hebrews 12:1-3 and 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
The Men's Bible Study, led by Rod Proctor, regularly meets on Saturday mornings from 8 to 9. Coffee and tea are available, and the men meet for breakfast nearby following the study. Men young and old are encouraged to join in. The group routinely studies from Dr. Jack B. Scott's Adult Bible Education Series (ABES).
- Tom Moore
NTCA
Dear TBPC Family,
NTCA had a glorious week celebrating Easter and the amazing truth that Jesus is alive! Easter Centers were a huge success with the children and parents. The teachers did a fantastic job teaching and sharing the true story of Easter. The children interacted and participated, making the sound of the donkey’s hooves as it entered Jerusalem. They waved and shouted “Hosanna,” and they ate bread and juice, just like the disciples. They prayed in the garden and finally saw the empty tomb! It was a blessing to see their precious faces engaged and excited to see the Easter story unfold right before their eyes. We are grateful to everyone that volunteered their time to set up, teach, and share the gospel with the children. Your help and support were a blessing to our families and our school.
We are excited for the weeks ahead as we are approaching the end of the school year. God is faithful, and he protects and keeps us. Please continue to pray for our teachers, the children, and their families. Thank you to our TBPC family for all the support and encouragement we receive each day.
- Susanne Gonzalez, NTCA Director
ESL End-of-Year Luncheon
With around 200 in attendance, our ESL celebration lunch was like a big family reunion. We enjoyed wonderful food and lots of hugs. Five students shared what the classes meant to them, and it was a thrill to see how much the students have progressed. Each class also stood with their teachers to have their pictures taken. The students not only expressed their appreciation with words of thanks, but many of them helped after the party to clean up the sanctuary and put away the decorations and table service. Many helpers made this blessed event possible, and we praise God for them! Please consider how you may become a part of this mission opportunity.
- Marsha Otto
Children
With the summer break from Sunday School, the temptation might be to slack off in studying Scripture or family worship, but the Children's Ministry leaders would like you to consider memorizing and discussing the Children's Catechism as a family. Eileen Fritz reminds us, "Teaching your kids to memorize the catechism gives them a framework to organize biblical knowledge and embeds biblical truths for a lifetime. It's guaranteed to improve learning and biblical worldview understanding in whatever discipline they study." The blue buttons below offer some songs, crafts, podcasts, and much more to go along with these foundational truths.
- Holly Mickler
Youth Girls' Retreat
We are excited to announce a Youth Girls' Retreat coming up August 1-3, 2025, where we will spend the weekend learning about our identity as daughters of the Lord Almighty and how to remember who we are when we struggle with the insecurities many girls face today. Save the date and stay tuned for more information!
- Stephanie Smoot
Join "Band"
When I have something I want to share with the world, I post it on Facebook. I try to post something that points people to Jesus. It doesn't always work out that way, but that's my intent. Facebook is the new public square.
But when I want to share something with my brothers and sisters in Christ, in my local church, I post it on Band.
Band is like Facebook, but it's limited to just our church. You can share news or photos, RSVP to events, make requests, etc. It's a way for us to stay connected between our face-to-face meetings.
It's not really social media in the traditional sense. It's private and secure. So if you have a legitimate concern about social media, that may not really apply with Band. It's a different critter.
When you click the blue button below, it should prompt you to get the app from your app store and then connect you to the TBPC Band. If it doesn't bring you to our Band, there should be a search icon in the top right. Just search for "tbpc" and click on "Join this band."
If after most of the church is on you find it's not of any value to you, you could simply uninstall it from your phone. But thanks in advance for giving it a try. The more the merrier. Once we reach a critical mass, it should become a very helpful communication tool for the church.
- Bill Clarke
Birthdays
- Jane Tyler - May 2
- Jax Skopp - May 3
- Zoe Almonte - May 6
- Larry Hess - May 10
- Nancy Morrison - May 11
- Cathy Turpen - May 11
- Bob Morrison - May 13
- Sunil Yerra - May 13
- Aldo Mondin - May 14
- Mike Cacioppo - May 15
- Judy Weir - May 15
- Daniel Kemp - May 16
- Christy Almonte - May 23
- Toni Cacioppo - May 29
- James Turpen - May 31
I grew up in a church that occasionally sang patriotic hymns around certain holidays. Why might some denominations approve of this while others do not?
Straight to the point, the Trinity Hymnal we use covers many topics associated with the hymns therein, none of which have a patriotic theme. In addition, the PCA Book of Church Order, Chapter 51, "The Singing of Psalms and Hymns," states in 51-3:
"It is recommended that Psalms be sung along with the hymns of the Church, but that caution be observed in the selection of hymns (emphasis added), that they be true to the Word. Hymns should have the note of praise, or be in accord with the spirit of the sermon."
There seems to be little room in that statement to wander into patriotism for a specific nation during worship, no matter which one the local church resides in. There are, of course, many orthodox Christian pastors in this country who argue for exceptions, such as on the Fourth of July or Memorial Day.
Joe Carter, a senior writer for The Gospel Coalition, has an interesting perspective on our question. Currently a pastor and a former career US Marine, he believes it’s helpful to think of the church as an embassy. To him, elements of worship should unite Christians from any country, not just the one a church is located in. After all, Christ is the King of all nations. For his full statement on the subject, click here or on the blue button below.
- Tom Moore
"Heaven" by Randy Alcorn
This is a very comprehensive book on the topic of Heaven. Some of the chapter titles in this 46-chapter book that caught my immediate attention, even before I started to read the book, were: How will we worship God? What will our daily lives look like? Will there be marriage, families, and friendships? Will animals inhabit the new earth? Will the Old Earth Be Destroyed . . . or Renewed?
When I looked at others' reviews, it was often said, “I don’t think he necessarily wrote it to be read cover to cover, but to have on hand when a question comes up.” Although I somewhat understand that perspective, I read it from beginning to end and couldn’t wait for the next chapter.
Because of the subject matter, I understand that Alcorn often speculates. However, I found the author made sure he clearly differentiated what God has said and what he personally thinks could be. The book is heavily rooted in Scripture.
Randy Alcorn writes, “The best of life on Earth is a glimpse of Heaven; the worst of life is a glimpse of Hell. For Christians, this present life is the closest they will come to Hell. For unbelievers, it is the closest they will come to Heaven.”
Lastly, after finishing this 560-page book, I still wanted more, so I would also recommend The Law of Rewards: Giving What You Can’t Keep to Gain What You Can’t Lose by Randy Alcorn.
- Mike Rush
May Update
This month the Diaconate has been sharpening their skills at taking down and setting up for various events. With the help of many kind and wonderful volunteers, we have coordinated the setup and breakdown of the Easter centers for NTCA, the April Session meeting, the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services, Easter breakfast, and the ESL End of Year Lunch.
Because of the safety of our congregation, we are also beginning the process of upgrading and expanding our security system. We are in the beginning stages of this endeavor, but our goal is twofold. First, we would like to increase the areas that are covered by the cameras, both inside and outside. Secondly, we want to incorporate newer, more advanced systems to enhance protection and reliability.
- Mike Rush
PCA General Assembly
With the 2025 PCA General Assembly coming up June 23-27 in Chattanooga, now is a good time for a graphic of how the PCA is organized. You can also click on the button below to visit the main site for the upcoming event. Each summer, TBPC sends a Teaching Elder and at least one Ruling Elder to take part in the discussions and votes that help govern our denomination.
Men's Golf Outing
Saturday, May 3 at 1 p.m.
23253 Plantation Palms Blvd, Land O’Lakes, Florida 34639
Brunch Bunch
