The Trinity Tell November 2026 

"You are not behind—you are right where God wants you."
A Time for Everything
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Ecclesiastes 3:1
            November is one of the busiest times of the year as we prepare for the Christmas season and the beginning of a new year. For many of us, the holidays bring excitement and anticipation, but they can also bring stress and anxiety. With family members spread across the state and even throughout the country, these celebrations become precious opportunities to gather with loved ones. Finding the perfect gifts seems to become more difficult each year, and our calendars quickly fill with holiday activities and preparations.
            For some, this season has become a little easier as adult children step into the role of hosting family gatherings. What a wonderful gift that can be! Yet, despite the joy this season brings, it also encourages us to stay busy and focused on details, making it easy to lose sight of its deeper meaning and to forget simply to enjoy the blessings around us.
            This is also the time of year when we experience one of God's most beautiful artistic displays. The vibrant colors of autumn transform our landscapes as leaves change from green to brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red. There is something awe-inspiring about witnessing this annual transformation. God's creativity is reflected throughout creation, reminding us of the beauty that surrounds us each day.
            The changing seasons also remind us how quickly life itself changes. From one year to the next, we experience new opportunities, unexpected challenges, celebrations, and hardships. Life is filled with moments of joy and sorrow, love and loss. Through it all, however, God remains present and at work in our lives.
            The words of Ecclesiastes offer us comfort and reassurance during times of transition. This simple verse reminds us that every season has a purpose and that God is present in each moment of our journey. Every day is an opportunity to align our lives more closely with God's will and purpose. Through faith, we are reminded that God's love and grace remain with us even when life is difficult or uncertain.
            As November unfolds, we also begin preparing our hearts for the season of Advent and the celebration of Christ's birth. Once again, we remember the miracle of God's promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The Messiah came into the world as a tiny child so that we might be renewed, transformed, and restored through faith in him.
            Autumn offers many reminders of God's ongoing work in creation. Leaves fall from the trees, farmers harvest their crops and prepare their fields for winter, and animals instinctively prepare for the colder months ahead. Throughout creation, we see evidence that life is continually changing and moving forward.
            Isn't it amazing that God uses these natural transitions to remind us that God is actively shaping and renewing both creation and our lives? Nothing remains stagnant. There are seasons for growth, seasons for challenge, seasons for waiting, and seasons for new beginnings. With each season comes fresh opportunities to learn, serve, and deepen our faith.
            As we move through this month of transition, let us give thanks for the gift of change and the promise of God's presence in every season. May the beauty of autumn remind us of God's creative love, and may our hearts be prepared to welcome once again the gift of Jesus Christ, whose coming brings hope, peace, joy, and new life to the world.

Yours in Christ's Service,
Pastor Mary 

Bowling Green’s first Ecumenical “Blessing of the Animals” brought together companion animals and their people, several churches including Trinity UMC, the Wood County Humane Society, people from the Ridge St. Dog Park, professional photographers, musicians, and others on a beautiful fall day at Needle Hall in City Park.
            Following remarks by Pastor Mary and other area clergy, dogs of all sizes and sorts and at least one cat were lined up to receive individual blessings at three separate stations.  Many of the animals had portraits taken afterwards.
            Donations were collected and a silent auction held to benefit the Wood County Humane Society.
            Pet owners and others enjoyed cider, ice cream, and cookies provided by Trinity church members and the other congregations who participated, hearing live music, and watching children run back and forth with wind socks they had made at the craft area.
            Among the tables set up was one for Trinity, where members provided information about our church to participants.