Location: Burtonsville, Md.

Presbytery: Alleghenies

Organization: Feb. 17, 1990

Membership: 91 communicant; 58 baptized

Pastors: Joel Wood

Website: trinityrpc.org

The number of our olive shoots (62 covenant children under age 21—see Psalm 128:3) at Trinity RPC in Burtonsville, Md., is quickly growing closer to the number of adults (80). And there will likely be six more children by the end of 2019. The congregation also wants to grow from converts in its new neighborhood, which is 27 miles from the Washington Monument.

The years 2015–2016 were especially significant due to the purchase of a building, the arrival of our new pastor, Joel Wood, and the election of additional elders and deacons. Trinity had prayed for over 15 years for a location of their own. During those years, significant efforts had been made, including buying a different property in 2009, planning construction there, and selling it in 2016 to buy the current building. Trinity wondered why God gave so many regulatory hurdles to build at the old site. With gratitude, Trinity enjoys a much better building.

When Trinity organized in early 1990, few likely envisioned how much the congregation would rely on technology. Today, Trinity uses a group email service called Gaggle. If the church’s phone number is dialed, its virtual office assistant answers 46 miles away. The best blessing our digital age has brought is a computer program written by one of our members, Jon Baumann. Each week those who have signed up for Trinity’s Prayer Circle receive an email with the name of a member (chosen randomly) to pray for and with encouragement to reach out to that person to see what their prayer needs are for the week. This encourages building the bonds of love between us.

We share our building with one of our two renters on the Sabbath, a Korean RP group. A group of Seventh Day Adventists uses the building on Saturdays. Finding a classroom for our eighth Sabbath school class was a difficult challenge.

Member Mark Tew, who holds a senior leadership position at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has taught a number of adult Sabbath school classes regarding the defense of creationism and has organized a world religions series. Mark Pritt has also led an excellent series on apologetics. Pastor Joel walked us through Paul Tripp’s Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands.

Since Pastor Joel’s arrival, he has preached through Romans and Job; now he is in Ephesians and Psalms. Some members grapple with D.C. or Baltimore traffic during their church commute. Given the distances traveled, many appreciate the scheduling of second services immediately after a fellowship lunch every first and third Sabbath along with a psalm sing on fifth Sabbaths.

In addition to common fellowship meal themes such as Mexican, Italian, breakfast, and soup-n-sandwiches, we have ventured to childhood favorites and hometown hits. We also have opportunities for lightheartedness. Since Pastor Joel is known for his quick wit and intellect, quite a few enjoy trying to out-pun him. Schmedley Junior (AKA Tim Stewart) has continued his father Brad’s legacy as Schmedley, a hilarious emcee for skit nights, talent shows, Minute to Win It games, and the like. And our restroom cleaner Tony Jakub received a gold plunger (and much appreciation for his volunteer work).

Do you know anyone from our congregation? Aside from Synod, Laurelville, and RP International, you have likely met somebody from our congregation if you have been to a Presbytery of the Alleghenies youth retreat or White Lake Kids & Teen Camp, since we fill vans headed in those directions three times a year. Maybe you have met Edgar Ibarra, who is key to the Central And South America committee of Synod. You might recognize Pastor Joel’s voice on the Jerusalem Chamber podcasts.

Some other member endeavors have included: 1) supporting the Laurel Pregnancy Center through their annual dinner, 5K race, and baby bottle campaign; 2) studying Hebrew with member Kat Medill; and 3) working toward ACBC biblical counseling certification with Pastor Joel, who is certified level 2 and in process of fellow certification.

When you pray for us, ask that we might love one another, reach out to our neighbors, and wisely use our building.