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 4/25/2026
Good morning church family,
GIVING THANKS & PRAISE:
Thanks to the Carey's for hosting the teen movie night last night.
Thanks to all who prayed for Dorothea's son David. He is home now recuperating and grateful for all of the prayers on his behalf.
Sarah Walkup is home from the hospital. The twins are still in the hospital and continue to thrive. They are now over 4 lbs each.
Introducing Meade
and Calvin below
Congratulations to Ronnie Ralph and Mary Lou at their 59th wedding anniversary! You are both loved beyond measure and we wish you God's richest blessings as you celebrate this milestone anniversary.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
Leah Fernandes asked for prayers for the Fleetwood family. A close friend of Jillian's, Amanda Fleetwood passed away suddenly, leaving a husband and 4 children.
Debbie Christy asked for prayers for her brother Clarence who suffered a minor stroke.
Michelle Wilson's Aunt Elease James in South Carolina has serious health issues.
Nancy Melson's MRI is scheduled for May 19th and May 22nd.
Many events are happening over the next few months…all LORD WILLING and with Praise and Glory to God:
TOMORROW SUNDAY, APRIL 26th there will be an annual SPRING AREA-WIDE CONGREGATIONAL SINGING Hosted by New Milford and Danbury churches of Christ. It will be held at the New Milford Church building, 129 Litchfield Road, Route 202, 3 miles north of the hospital. 3:30-5:00 pm. (214)926-2747. Please bring refreshments for the fellowship to follow.
Tuesday Ladies ' bible classes via zoom at 9:30 – 4/28. This next class will be “Love and Faithfulness”.
New England Lectureship of the churches of Christ – May 1-3, Danvers, MA See Jay Repecko for details.
 The 2026 NEL Flyer 8.5×14 (4)
Saturday May 9th – 10:00 a.m. – Ladies bible study taught by JoAnne Discala on the “The Fragrance of Mercy.” Please note this class will be at JoAnne & Bob's home at 175 Hilltop Circle, Trumbull.
Tuesday May 12th – 9:30 Ladies bible zoom study on the book of Nehemiah Lesson 12 – “A Generous Heart”. This will be the last zoom study for the summer. Thanks to Mary Lou and Lisa for preparing for and leading these classes.
YOUNG ADULT LOCK IN
There will be a young adult lock-in Friday, May 15 starting at 6 pm at the Trumbull church building followed by a breakfast and devo at Jay’s place and outdoor activities the next day! Please see Zach or Tori for more details.
May 31st – POT LUCK right after worship
Join us at our next POT LUCK where we will honor our Graduates:
CONGRATULATIONS TORI SARACINO:
 Tori Saracino graduates Summa Cum Laude & a 4.0 GPA from Sacred Heart University on May 9th.
Tori shared her career goals: My goal is to pursue a Master’s degree in Education at Sacred Heart University. As I begin my year of full-time student teaching, I hope to be an encouragement to my students and make a difference in their lives. I’m graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance and English. I aspire to continue growing musically by performing at local venues and songwriting, and I plan to finish my first album this summer. My ultimate goal is to be a music teacher at my alma mater, Seymour High School, but I know that wherever I end up teaching, God has the perfect plan 🙏🏼
CONGRATULATIONS to TRENTON CAREY:
Trenton Carey graduates on June 12th from Shelton High School and will pursue a degree from Southern Connecticut State University in the Fall. His goal is to be a dermatologist!
SO PROUD OF OUR GRADUATES!
KENT MEN'S RETREAT – June 12th & 13th. Note: A generous offer has been made to anyone who would like to attend and needs the admission fee covered. See Bruce if you'd like to take advantage of this offer. (Funds are Limited)
http://cocmensretreat.com/
Saturday June 10th LADIES BIBLE STUDY 10:00 AT THE CHURCH BUILDING . Angela Mariano will be leading the discussion on the “Fragrance of Purity”.
Below is the list of supplies we have been asked to donate for TRCC this summer:
Tidal River Christian Camp
CONGREGATIONAL DONATION LIST
Trumbull Church of Christ,
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3 – Paper Napkins
1000+ Count Casual Paper Napkins (Large Packaging preferable)
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10 – Hand Soap
Pump bottles (antibacterial)
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15 – Cookies
Large packages (any kind)
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Please make arrangements to bring these items the first day of camp (June 28, 2026)
Thank you for your continued support. May God bless you as we serve Him. Please see Patrick Keller if you have questions.
Mark your calendars for our VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL which is slated for Saturday July 25th! The theme this year is “With JESUS I'm a Superhero”. A sign up sheet is posted on the auditorium doors for anyone who is able to help that day. Teachers, face painters, bounce house volunteers, food table, those who can set up, and clean up, etc.
With Jesus, I'm a Superhero
 Thanks to Derin & Kristen Wilson who head this up every year and will be providing more details soon! Another great opportunity to invite friends and family for a fun day of learning about JESUS!
TIDAL RIVER CHRISTIAN CAMP
Information regarding TRCC is now available. The weeks for camp are:
 
God's Word refers to trees a lot in scripture.
Trees give life!
Trees not only provide oxygen, shade, paper, wood, shelter, but they provide so much more.
The Ark of the Covenant was built of Acacia wood and overlaid with gold – Exodus 25:10
Tabernacle Components: The altar of sacrifice, altar of in cense, table for bread, pillars, frames and poles for carrying furniture were made from acacia wood. Exodus 25
Solomon's Temple: Used cedar and olive wood for walls, flooring and roof.
Noahs Ark: was made from gopher wood Genesis 6;14
A tree is mentioned on the first page of Genesis and on the last page of Revelation, with many other scriptures in between.
The first Psalm exhorts believers to be like a tree. Every very major theological event has a tree marking the spot.
Psalm 1:1
“Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leave does not wither –
whatever they do prospers.”
Adam's first instructions were to “work and take care” of the trees in Eden. Genesis 2:15
Before Bibles came in book form, they had scrolls made out of wood.
The handles of these biblical scrolls were called the etz hayim, Hebrew for 'tree of life'.
Proverbs 3:18 says that the Bible's wisdom is a tree of life to those who take hold of it, and that happiness results from knowing this life-giving book!
From the beginning of time, 'the tree of life' in the Garden of Eden symbolized righteousness and God's presence.
There are many trees noted in God's Word – grape, pomegranate, oak, date, almond, gopher, acacia, tamarisk and cypress and more.
The Broom Tree
1 Kings 19:4 we read about the prophet Elijah running from the evil Queen Jezebel and he found rest under a broom tree. “But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. “
Psalm 120:4 compares a broom tree to God's judgement “with coals of the broom tree.”
Job mentions it as a desperate food source for those who have turned away from him. Job 30:4
Broom trees (or junipers), is a flowering desert plant, can grow up to 8 feet tall, making it an excellent source of shade from the hot Middle Eastern sun. The scriptures associate broom trees with shelter and rest.
No matter what our circumstances are in life, God offers us protection and rest.
The Sycamore Tree
Zacchaeus the tax collector: Luke 19:4 “So, he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.“
Most of the sycamore tree was edible, from its small fruit to its bark. As the prophet Amos mentions, sheep farmers often hire shepherds to encourage the tree's ripening by piercing their bark.
Amos 7:14 “Then Amos answered and said to Amaziah: 'I was no prophet, nor was I a son of a prophet previously. But I was a sheep breeder and a tender of sycamore fruit“.
Isaiah shares that many homebuilders used sycamore trees to build a home's roof rafters in chapter 9:10 “The bricks have fallen, but we will rebuild with hewn stones. The sycamore trees are cut down, but we will replace them with cedars.“
The FIG TREE
The Fig tree is a highly prosperous tree throughout Israel. It is so prolific that there are 60 different Greek words related to fig, fig tree, and fig agriculture.
The Fig tree produces fruit before it sprouts its large leaves in early spring (an important fact to remember when reading Matthew 21).
Adam & Even sewed fig leaves together after the fall to hide their nakedness – Genesis 3:7
God declared judgement on Israel – Hosea 9:10
The prophets encouraged Israel in God's faithfulness – Joel 2:22, Micah 4:4, Zechariah 3:10
Both the prophets Micah and Zechariah spoke of the coming Millenium when God finally establishes peace over the entire earth. At that time, everyone will again sit under his own “vine and fig tree”.
Jesus found His disciple Nathaniel sitting under a fig tree – John 1:50 “Jesus answered and said to him, 'Because I said to you, 'I saw you under the fig tree,' do you believe?”
Fig and sycamore trees always symbolize spiritual fruitfulness, peace, prosperity, and Israel's well being.
Olive Trees
The Bible mentions olive trees frequently from Genesis to Revelation, making it an infamous tree in scripture.
Genesus 8:11
Revelation 11:1-11
As Olives are crushed to extract their oil, Jesus was crushed for our sins on the cross. Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethesemane (meaning “oil press”) on the night of His arrest.
Olive trees are a symbol of God's eternal goodness, faithfulness, peace and newness of life. They remind us of the torture Jesus endured and His atoning sacrifice for our sins on the cross.
The Cedars of Lebanon represent strength, endurance and beauty. A cedar can grow to over 100 feet tall and live for well over 100 years. They are named for their location in the mountains of Lebanon. The wealthy often used them in construction due to their beautiful red color, sweet aroma, and strength, which is why cedar trees are usually associated with prestige and power.
Psalm 92:12 “The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree. He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.”
2 Samuel 5:11 “Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs and carpenters and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David“.
1 Kings 5:6-18
In Ezekiel 32:10-17 God compared Egypt to a mighty cedar tree that He will tear down.
Psalm 29:5 and 92:12 mention a Cedars strength.
The Tree of eternal life – In Revelation, signifies the final restoration, with leaves which heal nations.
Trees remind us to grow in faith, remain rooted and in Isaiah 55:12 “clap your hands” in joy, as the trees of the field do!
During dry spells, trees can remain vibrant in spite of there being no water. The secret is not just in its branches; it is in their root system. The roots reach deep down to find a constant source of water.
Trees teach us to bend toward the LIGHT of the WORLD which is JESUS CHRIST.
John 8:12 “Jesus declares, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
God compares those who read His Word, as trees which need water to live. Our souls need the nourishment of Scripture to thrive.
Psalm 1:3 “They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither.”
Trees bring forth FRUIT
There is no exact, official count of individual fruit trees globally, but estimates suggest there are 3,000 to 6,000 species of trees with edible fruits
A fruit tree is not good if it doesn't produce fruit. Jesus said we will be known by the fruit we produce.
Matthew 7:16-20
Inward fruit is the fruit of the Holy Spirit working in our mind and soul to make us into the image of Christ. The Apostle Paul described the fruit of the Spirit in his letter to the Galatians 5:22-23 , “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.”
Jesus chose us for the very purpose of bearing fruit! John 15:16
The tree of the cross.
Galatians 3:13 “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.'
Trees should remind us that life is much bigger than our present moment. Their deep roots and sprawling branches call us to look to heaven and eternity with the Father.
Jesus himself declared that the kingdom of heaven is like a tree.
Matthew 13:31-32
Our Lord and Savior was crucified on a tree.
After Jesus was resurrected, he was mistaken for a gardener in John 20:15. This was not a mistake! Jesus is the new Adam, who has come to redeem all of creation. Heaven is a place where the leaves of a tree heal all the nations.
Revelation 22:1-2 Jesus' last “I AM” statements is “I am the root and the descendant of David”
In Revelation 22 verses 1-5, John's letter to the first century church gives us a glimpse of Heaven and Jesus' imminent return and shares beautiful images for us of the tree of life…
“the river of the water of Life,
as clear as crystal flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
down the middle of the great street of the city.
On each side of the river stood the tree of life,
bearing twelve crops of fruit,
yielding its fruit every month.
And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse.
The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.
They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
There will be no more night.
They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the LORD God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever.“
Verse 14-16
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life
and may go through the gates into the city.
Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral who loves and practices falsehood.
I Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches.
I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the Bright and Morning Star.”
Verse 18
“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book:
If anyone adds anything to them,
God will add to him the plagues described in this book.
And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.“
PRAISE GOD FOR OUR SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST!
We have so much to be thankful for!
REJOICE & KEEP SINGING:
I SHALL NOT BE MOVED
Glory Hallelujah,
I shall not be moved;
Anchored in Jehovah,
I shall not be moved;
Just like a tree that's planted by the waters,
I shall not be moved.
In His love abiding, I shall not be moved;
And in Him confiding,
I shall not be moved
Just like a tree that's planted by the waters,
I shall not be moved.
Tho all hell assail me,
I shall not be moved;
Jesus will not fail me,
I shall not be moved;
Just like a tree that's planted by the waters,
I shall not be moved.
Tho the tempest rages,
I shall not be moved;
On the Rock of Ages,
I shall not be moved;
Just like a tree, that's planted by the waters,
I shall not be moved.
I shall not be, I shall not be moved.
I shall not be,
I shall not be moved;
Just like a tree that's planted by the waters,
I shall not be moved.
To GOD be the glory, great things HE has done!
In Him,
Bruce & Paula
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