So much of my ministry is founded on Jesus' statements about the Realm of Heaven (Kingdom of God). Often, he says we must receive that realm like a little child. I take that to mean with awe and wonder, with serious play and pleasure. I believe that is all inclusive of everything. We are so deeply connected with one another and with God's Creation (the entire Universe), our main purpose is to recover an awareness of that connection. The best way to relate in that manner is like a little child. I hope this understanding is evident in every part of my work.

Everything is connected. Chief Seattle said, "We did not weave the web of life, we are merely a strand in it." I take this seriously. If all things are connected, whatever we do to the web (others), we do to ourselves. That's why navel gazing won't work in the relationships of God's Realm. It isn't all about us, but others, because we are all connected.

This strand of connectedness runs through all our ministry programs at Trinity. In March 2007, Rev. Marion Rhyne came on board as our Minister of Music and Christian Education. A number of years of church music experience leads Trinity in maintaining a long tradition of music excellence among all age groups.

Though we are small in number, our Christian Education is a great strength at Trinity. Pastor Marion's organizational skills have raised the level of instruction particularly with our children and youth. Through weekly Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, computer lab, Children's Worship each Sunday, and other programs, our children and youth develop strong spiritual life principles in fun and exciting ways. Our learning leaders are committed to total ministry with learners. Our leaders understand that educational opportunities aren't just about teaching the lesson, but relating in a positive, understanding, affirming way with the learners, individually and collectively.

My preaching is relational. What I hope happens is the worshiper leaves with their head shaking a little -- either with laughter, thoughtfulness, agreement, puzzlement, disbelief, or even disagreement. The space I hold during the sermon is very wide and allows a lot of room for thought. If you're looking for a "bible-thumping preacher," don't waste your time here. My message is good news, not guilt; prophetic, but not degrading.

I believe our greatest task as Christians is to know God more fully, more deeply. If we do this, all else will be in place. Jesus said it this way, "Seek ye first the kindom of God...and all the other things will be added unto you." In this, prayer is very important. That's one of the greatest ways we connect deeply with the kindom of God. Reinhold Niebuhr said, "Humor is a prelude to faith and laughter is the beginning of prayer." Laugh deeply.

Close Message

Rev. Marion Rhyne is a former elementary classroom teacher, principal, music educator, choral director, and handbell director. She was ordained in 1990. She enjoys weaving, candle making, banner making and those arts and crafts that help tell The Story. She especially enjoys writing VBS curriculum. She is a First and Second Degree Reiki healer and a certified labyrinth facilitator.

Being at Trinity at this time in her life allows her to use all her gifts and education, her vocations and avocations, to share the Word through teaching, the arts, music, and spiritual guidance.

Her intentions for her work as Minister of Christian Education are to help the young people become proficient in the use of the Bible, to have a knowledge of the stories in both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament and to have a relationship with Jesus the Christ.

Her intentions for her work as Minister of Music are to help the various musical groups and the congregation grow in their music skills and grow in understanding their theology.

She feels the Minister of Music and Christian Education call weaves her music, education, and theological studies to help give a more thorough learning base for all she serves.

Close Message