The Trumpet

The concept of “remembering” recurs prominently in the Bible.

God remembers his covenant with his people. Consequently, God’s people are exhorted to remember their God.

Remembering is frequently placed in contrast to “forgetting.”

Remembering not only focuses on the past, but also on the present and the future.

In the Old Testament, God is sometimes remembered to have mercy and at other times to judge. God’s covenant with his people lies behind each occasion of God’s memory.

The most common use of remembrance in the Bible is the command to remember the Lord and his mighty deeds. The book of Deuteronomy employs this motif, recalling more than any other biblical book.

The gospel represents the culmination of God’s mightiest act of salvation. This memory is captured and celebrated in the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:24-25). One purpose of the Lord’s Supper is to lead God’s people to remember the atoning work of Jesus.

Throughout history, God’s people have remembered God’s acts of salvation by celebrating events such as Jesus’ birth (Christmas), his resurrection from the dead (Easter), and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost).

We also remember essential events in the lives of local churches. For example, a few years ago, the Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church celebrated its fortieth anniversary. If Jesus tarries, we hope to celebrate our fiftieth, seventy-fifth, and hundredth anniversaries too.

A personal anniversary for me takes place on August 1. On August 1, 2002, I began my pastoral labors here at the Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church.

This coming August 1, I shall, Lord willing, begin another year of service to God and his people at TBPC. That same day, August 1, will be the start of our new Associate Pastor, Rev. John Revell’s labors.

In God’s providence, the start of his first year will be the start of my twenty-fourth year of ministerial labors to God and his people at TBPC.

I ask you to pray that the Lord will continue to exalt his name and enable his people to grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for many years to come.

- Freddy Fritz

Yeehaw! The 40-strong Wonder Junction gang is back from our train ride to the Old West where, along with 70 cowboys and cowgirls, we marveled at the birth, life, ministry, and mission of our awe-inspiring Savior, Jesus Christ. Our young’uns took walks around the town, mining gold, grubbing up vittles, lassoing horses, and singing and dancing at the “All Aboard Jamboree." The blacksmiths ambushed the prospector (ahem, Pastor Freddy), the sheriff didn’t need to take too many bandits to jail, and every day our young’uns went home with nuggets of truth about Jesus as well as various mementos of their experiences at VBS. There was a little brush between the cowboys and cowgirls at Wonder Junction that led to a bounty of $590.38 being raised for the Haiti Love One mission.* After the whole kit and caboodle, those young’uns left us and the whole Wonder Junction gang plumb tuckered out!

To all who prayed for and supported VBS through donations of supplies, funds, or manpower, thank you for enabling this outreach ministry of our church. And to our decorators and onsite volunteers, thank you for all you did to make VBS a reality! The children in our church and community had fun while hearing and engaging with God’s Word through your efforts.

- Toni Cacioppo

*Note: This amount has been corrected since the verbal report provided in service on July 13, 2025.

All the "Little Partners" chugga-chugga-choo-choo'd through Wonder Junction

at VBS during the week of July 7-11, 2025.

(Photo/Melissa Bayley)

There is currently an opening on this publication that I would strongly encourage many of you to consider as a service opportunity. I was privileged to work with Freddy and Holly as a co-editor on the Trumpet. I have to give it up because Vicki and I decided to move to another church closer to our home in Wimauma.

This has been a fun and satisfying experience, and I will miss it. I was able to work from home which is great for someone who might have issues with helping out at the building itself. In addition, you can get the work done on your own schedule. There is lots of room to stir up any creative gifts you have using the software program Holly brought on board beginning in the January 2025 issue.

If there is a downside to the job, I would say it is Holly. I mean that in the fondest way! She is, after all, an award-winning English teacher and very creative. At best, I am of average talent and had to adjust to the rarefied air she occupies. I learned much from her and had a great time.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like to know more. Get my number from Melissa Bayley or Holly and send me a text.

- Tom Moore

New members were introduced to the congregation on Sunday, July 20, 2025.

From left to right: Freddy Fritz (Pastor), Sunil Yerra, Jaxon Skopp, Drew & Sierra Irick,

Mike & Sarah D'Virgilio, Adrian Cottier & Yanet Bermudez

(Photo/Holly Mickler)

Going on a mission trip is just another way to serve. What’s so different about serving on a mission trip from serving at church? How much time do you have?

Here’s the short version. It takes you completely out of your comfort zone and truly shows you what dependence on God feels like.

It's my third trip to the same place, Belize. Well, that’s familiar. We’re going to do construction work — not so familiar. I know nothing about construction, but God does.

On this mission trip, as I depended on God more and more for the unfamiliar, God has shown me that He can use even me when I am out of my comfort zone and clueless about the task ahead. I just need to be obedient and depend on His leading. God will accomplish His purpose.

- Jennifer Isaac

Sandy Carruth, David Cunningham, Martine Extermann, and Jennifer Isaac represented TBPC on a short term mission trip to Belize July 19-26, 2025.

(Photo/Martine Extermann)

Do you love to worship God through music? Come be part of our music ministry!

The choir season runs from September through May, with rehearsals every Sunday morning at 8:30. We have a great time together as we prepare to sing praises to the Lord, usually once a month during the service. Whether you’re experienced or just love to sing, we’d love to have you join us!

The praise team serves year-round, with rehearsals every Sunday at 9:45 a.m. We’re especially in need of singers and instrumentalists who enjoy leading God’s people in worship.

You can join us at any time during the year, even if it’s just for one month! If you’re not ready to commit for a full season, we still want you to experience it and see if it’s a good fit. We’re a joyful, encouraging group, and there’s room for you. Come make a joyful noise with us!

- Yanet Bermudez

All women are encouraged to join a Bible study this fall. Speak with Eileen Fritz, Debbie Jordan, or Melissa Bayley to learn more!

Nothing beats the heat like ice cream, even if it melts faster than you can eat it! The women hosted an Ice Cream Social on Saturday, July 26 as a time to socialize, let the kids play, and enjoy lots of sugar. The girls of the youth also took up donations for their upcoming retreat.

- Brandi Shultz & Stephanie Smoot

Due to some last minute scheduling conflicts, not all who wanted to were able to attend the evening of axe throwing sponsored by the Men's Ministry on July 19, but a few lumberjacks and lumberjills honed in on the bullseye with impressive accuracy.

(Photo/David Lehmann)

Dear TBPC Family,

We are so excited to kick off another school year at NTCA! Our first day is just around the corner, and we are filled with anticipation and joy as we welcome both returning and new families into our preschool community. This is an incredible ministry to families in our area.

God has blessed us with a wonderful group of dedicated and loving teachers who are ready to nurture and guide each child with care and Christ-centered values. We’re looking forward to a year full of learning, laughter, and growth as we watch our little ones discover the world around them through play, creativity, and fun.

Please keep NTCA in your prayers as we begin this new school year. Pray for protection, joy, good health, and for each child to feel safe, and loved. We are expectant and excited to see all that God has in store for NTCA this year.

- Susanne Gonzalez, NTCA Director

NTCA students enjoyed activities at summer camp during June 2025.

(Photo/Susanne Gonzalez)

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.

The transition from summer to school can be one of the hardest for kids and their families. Check out this article from Ligonier with ideas for helping everyone ease back into routines smoothly.

This was my first year volunteering at VBS. I helped with the craft activity station. The first craft used lots of glue dots…oh the torture! But the rest of the week went much better. The thing I enjoyed the most was helping Ms. Debbie with the car pick-up line. I enjoyed taking the children to collect their things and taking them to their cars. VBS was lots of fun and I’m glad we can share the gospel with other children in this way.

- Christiaan Kemp

VBS is a great opportunity to tell kids about God and have fun doing it. I think it’s awesome. Though they can be tricky at times, I really like teaching the kids about God and building relationships with them during the week.

- Kiliaen Sauls

This was my third year as a volunteer at VBS as an assistant group leader. I enjoyed watching the kids have fun at the different stations and their singing in the assembly. VBS is a great way of reaching out to families in our community and sharing the gospel with them.

- Daniël Kemp

John and Marsha Otto have attended TBPC since Easter Sunday 2016, after receiving the recommendation from some friends in Grove City, Pennsylvania, where they lived at the time. In addition to being friendly faces as greeters, they are also involved in the ESL ministry.

Tell us a little bit about yourselves.

John is a CPA and taught accounting and computers at the University of Northern Colorado and Grove City College. I (Marsha) taught fourth grade for 5 years in Maryland and taught reading and Spanish to 7th and 8th graders in Pennsylvania. We retired from our teaching jobs in Grove City, Pennsylvania in 2010 and became "snowbirds." We chose Zephyrhills because my grandparents retired there in the 1950s. My parents followed them in their retirement. We sold our home in Pennsylvania in 2021 and moved permanently to Zephyrhills.

What about your family?

Our oldest daughter, Sarah, lives in Colorado with her husband and 4 children. Our daughter, Laura, lives in Pittsburgh with her husband and 4 children. Our son, Jeremiah, lives west of St. Louis with his wife and 3 children. Our favorite time of year is Christmas, when we gather at our son's home. Our children and grandchildren are active in church and are following the Lord. We are thankful and continue to pray that they will remain faithful.

How do you like to have fun?

We enjoy taking walks and visiting with neighbors. We also enjoy traveling via cruise ships and camping in our motor home. And of course we enjoy visiting our family.

Any hidden talents or secrets we can know?

I (Martha) can't resist pulling weeds!

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

That would be King David's wife, Abigail. She was wise and kept David from acting foolishly. She was apparently a good cook.

What lesson has God been teaching you?

After reading several books on worship, I (Martha) came to realize the importance of worshiping God according to the guidelines found in the Bible. The book Be Thou My Vision by Jonathan Gibson has made my daily devotionals more meaningful.

What is your favorite hymn?

Great God of Wonders

What is your favorite verse from Scripture?

I like to pray scripture for my family. One passage I frequently use is Ephesians 1:16-18, which says, "I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints."

And most importantly, if Pastor Freddy had a superpower, what would it be?

Quoting the BCO from memory.

Joyce Linton - August 02

Esther Whitley - August 06

Lillian Ordahl - August 07

Lilly Porter - August 09

Averil Massie - August 10

John Otto - August 11

Evelyn Yu - August 13

Sara Kagalkar - August 14

Anup Kagalkar - August 14

Michael Beazel - August 17

Derk Shultz - August 17

Laila Valere - August 17

Kristofer Gray - August 18

Peter Dishman - August 21

Brandi Shultz - August 21

Hugo Mondin - August 24

Justice Powe - August 24

Wes Mollard - August 25

Madison Powe - August 25

Trinity Powe - August 26

Kennedy Powe - August 26

Ben Sun - August 26

Peter Wu - August 26

Joe Burns - August 27

Bert Barber - August 29

Selene Betancourt - August 30

Suzanne Swenson - August 31

Jonathan & Averil Massie - August 01, 1999

Bill & Ruth Walker - August 01, 1972

Larry & Barbara Hess - August 06, 1966

Jeff & Holly Huffer - August 08, 1992

Bob & LeeAnn DeStefano - August 14, 1971

Ken & Betty Pothoven - August 14, 1964

Mike & Sarah D'Virgilio - August 15, 1987

Axel Bayard & Ertha Baptiste - August 16, 1984

Michael & Laila Valere - August 17, 1963

Scott & Valerie Simmons - August 18, 1979

Rod & Andrea Proctor - August 20, 2015

John & Bonnie Hutton - August 21, 1971

Craig & Jane Tyler - August 21, 2004

Jim & Andrea Hill - August 24, 1968

Mark & Donna Wilson - August 25, 1984

Mark & Darlene Murphy - August 30, 1980

Some have called him one of the greatest theologians of our day. Known for his expository preaching and conservative theology, John MacArthur's life and work pointed to amazing grace that saves and sanctifies. He spent over 50 years as the leader of Grace Community Church, authored more than 150 books, founded the Grace to You media ministry, and served as the president of The Master's Seminary, making his influence for the kingdom inestimable. Imagine the welcome MacArthur received as he entered his eternal home, greeted by his Savior and then throngs of people ready to share all the ways God used him in their salvation stories.

Click the buttons below to learn a little more about his ministry and impact.

If you’re looking for something to read, I recommend Sing! How Worship Transforms Your Life, Family, and Church by Keith and Kristyn Getty or Worship by the Book edited by D.A. Carson. Both are great resources for growing in Christ-centered worship.

- Yanet Bermudez

The past month the diaconate has been doing some things that will be quite noticeable and other things that may not be so noticeable. First of all, we are looking into replacing the mulch around the building with stone. The only place it will not be done is in the playground area due to the safety of the children. In addition, we are addressing the situation with our gutters, which need to be removed or replaced. In terms of what you may not notice right away, the diaconate is presenting some recommendations for updating the procedures in the areas of benevolence and child protective training. The diaconate is also planning on organizing a safety committee. Lastly, we have been working hard to get pastor John Revell’s office ready for his arrival.

- 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 either of the Deacons (David Cross or Michael Rush) or any of the Deacon Assistants (David Lehmann, Jason Rucker, Derk Shultz, and Ken Smoot) or email us by using the button below.

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

Friday, August 1 - Sunday, August 3

Sunday, August 10 at 12:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 10 at 5 p.m.

Tuesday, August 12 at 7 p.m.

Women are invited for a time of socializing, sipping, and snacking!

Saturday, August 16 at 9:30 a.m.

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

TBD

Call the church office or write a note on the Welcome Card if you would like to attend this class to learn more about becoming a member of TBPC.

Sunday, August 17 at 3 p.m.

Monday, August 18

Thursday, August 21

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

Men of all ages are invited for a night of enjoying some games!

Saturday, August 23 at 6 p.m.

All members need to attend the church-wide lunch and meeting.

Sunday, August 24 at 12:30 p.m.

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.