Trinity United Methodist Church Ottawa

09/06/2026

Sunday Worship September 6, 2026

09/01/2026

What if church leadership authority wasn’t about having the final say, but about making sure no one feels shut out from God’s grace? What if the real measure of leadership wasn’t how many people follow your instructions, but how many people feel freer, lighter, and more loved because of your presence?

That’s the heart behind the “What If Love?” question being asked right now in the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference. It’s a challenge to imagine what the church , and its leaders, would look like if every decision, every action, and every word was filtered through the lens of Christlike love. Those questions flip the usual picture of authority upside down and they take us straight to the example Jesus set.

When we picture “authority” in the church, it’s easy to imagine someone at the top making decisions, setting rules, and expecting compliance. But that’s not the model Jesus gave us. He had every right to command, yet He chose to stoop low, towel in hand, washing the feet of His friends. That moment wasn’t just an act of kindness. It was a redefinition of leadership itself.

Church leadership, whether it be exercised by clergy or laity, in that light, isn’t a badge of superiority. It’s not a crown to wear or a throne to sit on. It’s a calling to take the posture of a servant. Jesus warned His disciples against the kind of leadership that “lords over” others, the kind that uses position to dominate. In His kingdom, authority is measured not by how many people obey you, but by how many people you lift up.

Servant leaders are barrier-breakers. They notice the things, both big or small, that keep people from experiencing God’s grace in its fullness. Sometimes those barriers are obvious, like exclusionary attitudes or rigid traditions that have lost their heart. Other times they’re subtle: a cold handshake, a dismissive tone, a culture of “you must measure up before you belong.”

True church authority works like a gardener clearing away weeds so the plants can flourish. It’s not about controlling the growth; it’s about creating the conditions where growth is possible.

The question isn’t, “How many people follow my lead?” but, “How many people are freer, more hopeful, and more aware of God’s love because I was here?” That’s the kind of leadership that reflects the heart of Christ. Not a clenched fist, but open hands, ready to serve with open minds and hearts.

Maybe that’s the real test of church leadership to live in such a way that the answer to “What If Love?” is visible in every choice we make. If love is the filter, then authority becomes service, influence becomes compassion, and leadership becomes the holy work of clearing the path so others can walk freely into the embrace of God’s grace.

09/01/2026

✨ IT’S SHOEBOX TIME! ✨️

Operation Christmas Child
​Get ready to change a child’s life with a simple gift !

We are aiming high this year 🎯

08/30/2026

Today’s Family Five was about taking up your cross and following Jesus. Charlotte Meyer did a wonderful job of encouraging the children to think “What would Jesus do?” when they face a difficult situation. Each child got a WWJD bracelet and a cross. Charlotte also gave each child a “Footstep Challenge” to take home to put the lesson into practice.
Well done, Charlotte, and thank you! ❤️

08/30/2026

Sunday Worship August 30, 2026

08/25/2026

https://www.westohioumc.org/about-bishop/bishop-column/called-reweave-life-feminine-wisdom-wounded-earth-and-life-giving-way

08/24/2026

A simple gift can change a life and share great joy!

We are gearing up to send hope and love across the globe in the form of red-and-green boxes.

Let's get ready to pack some joy! ❤️💚

08/24/2026

08/23/2026

Lift your voice and celebrate your faith at Lakeside Chautauqua Christian Music Festival – September 12-13. The two-day Praise by the Lake festival features nationally acclaimed artists Katy Nichole, David Leonard, Chris Byrd and Jabari Johnson for a weekend centered on worship, connection and community.

Guests may also enjoy a variety of free activities that do not require a Praise by the Lake ticket or a Season Chautauqua Pass, including: a movie in Orchestra Hall, the splash park and beach, playgrounds, and pickleball, tennis, shuffleboard, basketball, sand volleyball and gaga ball – and more.

View the schedule of events and reserve a Praise by the Lake ticket: https://lakesideohio.com/.../2026/09/12/praise-by-the-lake/