SUMMER 2025

NOTE FROM MARK
Having kids in Montgomery County Public Schools, I am reminded of how wonderful and fast summer goes. As we look back over the summer and are now into fall with the different rhythms of life for many, my hope is that you have taken some time to enjoy the weather, all of God’s wonderful creation and make some memories. For my family, we flew out west and knocked a trip off our bucket list. We rented a motorhome, visited seven states and seven national parks - all over a course of 17 days and 4,000 miles. I will always remember this trip and treasure the time our family had to be together. Whatever stage you are at in life, don't miss the moment God puts in front of you - not just to work, but to enjoy the people God has given you as friends and family. 

As we go through the fall, I encourage you with a few things: first, take some time to pray and deepen your relationship with God. Second, consider serving in the many different events and ongoing ministries at Neighborhood Church. Last but not least, show and share the hope and love found in Jesus with the people around you.

UPCOMING DATES

Global Encounters Weekend
October 11 & 12

Neighborhood Youth @ Butler’s Orchard
October 12, 2:30pm

Fall Festival
October 18, 2pm-4pm

MINISTRIES

NEIGHBORHOOD KIDS
Leader: Karin Sauder, [email protected]
A safe place for children to meet Jesus, know Jesus & learn to share Jesus.

JUNE: Our Neighborhood Kid volunteer at the Farmer’s Market Kid’s Tent this month was Zoe Drumm! Thanks for helping out Zoe! Thanks also to Nurten Karasen for her volunteer help in the tent as well. We are learning about the Israelites in the desert in The Gospel Project this month on our timeline. Stay cool everyone!

JULY: Thanks again to Nurten Karasen for her help in our Kids Tent this month! It was a really hot July, but Neighborhood Kids are always cool! We have loved seeing all the visitors coming in and we sure hope they come back.  We continued our study of Moses and the Israelites in the desert this month, learning about God’s faithfulness to us even when we grumble, complain, and have trouble obeying him.  Be sure to look for our quarterly Neighborhood Parents newsletter, The Park Bench, to come out in August with a new calendar, curriculum updates, and more! 

AUGUST: We enjoyed another Kids Tent at the market this month! A big thank you to the Philip-Vannella Family for volunteering and representing Neighborhood Church to so many of the parents and kids in the community. Lots of our Neighborhood Kids came out for the summer social pool party at the Neelys to celebrate Pastor Tim and enjoy one last splash for summer. At the end of the month, we launched up three new sixth graders to Neighborhood Youth: Zoe Drumm, Annali Trinkl, and Rosie Rankin. We will miss them, but we are so excited for them for this big milestone! Fall launch is September 7th! See you there! 


NEIGHBORHOOD YOUTH
Leader: Eric Peacock, [email protected]
A place where teens belong, believe (in Jesus) & become (all that God has intended for them to be).

JUNE: This past month in Neighborhood Youth, we continued our series going through the Bible cover-to-cover. We finished up the book of Exodus and started in the book of Numbers. Also, Neighborhood Youth students who are going to LIFE had a very successful car wash fundraiser. Thank you again to all who donated!

JULY: Neighborhood Youth had a great July! The high school students and leaders attended the LIFE Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana where JD Rogers said her first “yes” to Jesus! It was a fun trip & great time to celebrate with JD. The group also wrapped up the Gospel Project study unit they were in and enjoyed a fun game night the last Tuesday before the August break. The 29th was also Tim’s last youth group night as youth pastor before passing the baton onto Eric Peacock.

AUGUST: This month, Neighborhood Youth launched on the first day of public school in Montgomery County (August 26 th ). We began our Influence(r) series which includes topics on Influence, Algorithms (of the mind and heart), Identity and Friendships. After worship, we lean into a time of teaching—which has discussion questions at the end of the lesson and we break into small groups for discussion (guys with guys and girls with girls).

Looking ahead, we will have community outreach opportunities for the youth to participate in (projected time to begin in November, and continue through December and beyond).


WORSHIP & PRODUCTION TEAM
Leader: Mel Neely, [email protected]
We are a diverse community of followers of Jesus Christ, empowered by His Spirit with one heart and one mind to invite and lead in declaring His worth.

JUNE: The Neighborhood Church Worship & Production team continues to lift high the name of Jesus through our in person and online services. This month Mel Neely and Adaora led worship during our Sunday services along with our dedicated team of instrumentalists and vocalists. We led the Keith Green song “Create In My A Clean Heart” for the first time at Neighborhood Church when Pastor Mark preached on Psalm 51.

https://youtu.be/BFe4r3qe1x0?si=-GcWg-uUXbgXo3R9

On Thursday evenings the team engaged with devotionals encouraging each other to look full on the wonderful face of Jesus by incorporating devotional times led by Adaora, Eric and Mel. We shared praises and prayer requests, praying for each other and over Neighborhood Church.

Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes!
Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals.
Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD ! Praise the LORD !
Psalm 150: 4-6

We are thankful to have a truly multigenerational team with middle school, high school and adult volunteers working together to make our Sunday services in person and online possible. We are excited to announce that Sydney Bubb began training to run presentation! Devin will continue to come out to practices to learn the sound board with Bryan. We are praying for God to bring more workers to serve Him at Neighborhood Church Shady Grove and Neighborhood Church Rockville!

JULY: The Neighborhood Church Worship & Production team continues to lift high the name of Jesus through our in person and online services. This month Mel Neely and Adaora led worship during our Sunday services along with our dedicated team of instrumentalists and vocalists. We introduced the Erik Nieder song “Faithful” when Natalie preached on Psalm 139.

https://youtu.be/tb8G3ojHT2A?si=8wkwCzrN8J7i8jEN

On Thursday evenings the team engaged with devotionals encouraging each other to look full on the wonderful face of Jesus by incorporating devotional times led by Eric and Mel to accompany our summer in the Psalms. We shared praises and prayer requests, praying for each other and over Neighborhood Church.

We are thankful to have a truly multigenerational team with middle school, high school and adult volunteers working together to make our Sunday services in person and online possible. We are excited to announce that Sydney Bubb has completed training and is officially a member of our production team serving once a month on presentation! Devin will continue to come out to practices to learn the sound board with Bryan. We are praying for God to bring more workers to serve Him at Neighborhood Church Shady Grove and Neighborhood Church Rockville!

AUGUST: The Neighborhood Church Worship & Production team continues to lift high the name of Jesus through our in person and online services. This month, Mel Neely and Adaora led worship
during our Sunday services along with our dedicated team of instrumentalists and vocalists.
We introduced the Ellie Holcomb song “I Lift My Eyes” when Mel preached on Psalm 121.
https://youtu.be/5KjpfRFylPo?si=vQbgQkrK0NzBqbwb

Enjoy this playlist with some of the songs based on Psalms we worshipped with over the
summer: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5mhFBtBIYXiVWJUOrKb35RTuyrqvMdv5&si=eJ0C-
6RzCMfn90GS

On Thursday evenings the team engaged with devotionals encouraging each other to look full on the wonderful face of Jesus by incorporating devotional times led by Eric, Adaora and Mel to accompany our summer in the Psalms. We shared praises and prayer requests, praying for each other and over Neighborhood Church.

We are thankful to have a truly multigenerational team with middle school, high school and adult volunteers working together to make our Sunday services in person and online possible. We are praying for God to bring more workers to serve Him at Neighborhood Church! 

BECAUSE of God’s faithfulness, our Worship & Production Team is living on mission as a multi-ethnic, multigenerational team being transformed by Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit and inviting the Neighborhood Church family to be launched on mission with them!

Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes!
Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals.
Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD ! Praise the LORD !
Psalm 150: 4-6


NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS
Leader: Pam Homan, Matt Sale & Mark Trinkl, [email protected]
A place for making friends, inviting God's transformation through Scripture and prayer, and being launched on mission together.  

JUNE: During the summer months, May through August, Neighborhood Groups are in recess. Several groups have signed up to serve at the Derwood Farmer's Market as an opportunity to serve together. 

Triads started on June 1. Triads are an intentional relationship with Jesus and three individuals as part of the Discipleship Pathway at Neighborhood Church. The format includes daily shared Scripture reading and meeting together throughout the summer, whether in person or online. There are nine Triads meeting over the summer months. There are 9 triads of 3 individuals per triad that are connecting regularly through the summer months.

The summer Women's Book Club started on June 1. Eighteen women are meeting monthly to read and discuss the book, “Closer than your Next Breath: Where is God When You Need Him Most?” by Susie Larson. 

JULY: During the month of July, Neighborhood Triads were in full swing with 26 individuals participating. We’re looking forward to another summer semester of triads in 2026!

AUGUST: During the month of August, the nine Triads that met over the summer months finished. Triads are an intentional relationship with Jesus and three individuals as part of the Discipleship Pathway at Neighborhood Church. The summer Women's Book Club also had their final meeting discussing the book, “Closer than your Next Breath: Where is God When You Need Him Most?” by Susie Larson. Both of these opportunities offered participants the opportunity to grow in their walk with Christ in community

The fall Neighborhood Group menu is live on the website! During the fall Neighborhood Group semester, all groups will study the same material. This semester we will study together the truth that we are all God's Masterpiece. Have you ever wondered who God has created you to be and what he has created you to do? Beginning the week of September 14, come on a journey of exploration both on Sundays during the service and in Neighborhood Groups in discovering the unique you & how you can live this out within all areas of your life. All our groups will be going through the book, "What You Do Best," which will walk you through three areas of self-discovery: spiritual gifts, relational style & personal passions. Some reading & work is required outside of the session, & will ultimately benefit you & your self-discovery. 

Please see the church website to sign up for a Neighborhood Group! https://www.neighborhoodc.org/groups.html


GREEN HOUSE CHURCH PLANT
Devin Calhoun, [email protected]
Neighborhood Church Vision: Launch Multiple Gatherings in Multiple Locations (Acts 2:42-47)

JUNE: June was another wonderful month of connecting with our community. I continued to lead our Derwood Farmer's Market. It's such a joy to see our church property filled with neighbors, great food, and music every Saturday. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered so far; your service is what makes the market a welcoming place where we can show the love of Jesus to our community.

JULY: This July, I had the incredible opportunity to share with another church. I was invited to preach at New Design Church. We continued welcoming our neighbors at the Derwood Farmer’s Market.

AUGUST: August has been a full and blessed month! The Derwood Farmer's Market continued to thrive, and it's hard to believe the season is winding down. It has been a fruitful summer of building relationships with our neighbors. 

I also had the privilege of attending Resonate, the Alliance conference specifically for new ministry workers. It was a refreshing time of learning and connecting with other leaders who are just starting their journey in ministry.

On a personal note, the most exciting part of my month was asking Hope to marry me and she said yes! We are so excited to begin this new chapter together and are incredibly grateful for your love and support.


MISSIONS TEAM
Leader: Natalie, [email protected]
To see the people of Neighborhood Church launched on mission to share and show Jesus from our neighbors to the nations. (Acts 1:8)

JUNE:
- Market is going well
- First Missions Newsletter was sent out!

JULY:
- Supported and prayed for the sending of students to LIFE conference
- Discussing next international trips
- Market is going well!

AUGUST: 
- Preparing for Global Encounters in October
- Market still going strong
- Solidifying upcoming trips

If you would like to be a part of the team, reach out to Natalie. Our hope and prayer is that all of Neighborhood Church would pray, give, go, send.


WELCOME TEAM
Leader:  Contact Rose Ojwiga, [email protected]
We will be a community that is authentic, transparent & creates space for real relationships (Acts 2:42)

The Welcome Team continues to provide a warm greeting to visitors and regular church attendees. We are always looking for smiling and friendly people to join the team!

LEADERSHIP

STAFF
Mark Trinkl, Tim Allen, Linnea Allen, Melanie Neely, Karin Sauder,  Devin Calhoun, Natalie & Dana Zetterberg, Eric Peacock.
Leader: Mark Trinkl, [email protected]
The staff manages Neighborhood Church’s ministry teams. 

Over the summer, the staff has continued to meet together, but many have taken time to travel, rest and recover.  

A big shout out to Devin who has been leading the market over the summer and congratulations on the engagement to Hope. Although Devin is not moving forward to plant a church with Neighborhood Church, he is continuing to develop and  invest in many other areas & ministries at the church.

Thank you to Tim Allen for his faithful service for over 12 years at Neighborhood Church and finishing well at the end of July. You will be missed on staff but glad to still have you around the church. 

Welcome to Eric Peacock who began leading the youth in August. Neighborhood Youth launched for the fall on August 26th and is off to a great start. 

Please be praying in the midst of many changes and preparing for all the fall ministries.


ELDERS
Mark Trinkl, Steve Beardsley, Mark Neely, Solomon Jack, Eric Peacock, Jeff Geraci, Tedd Mueller, Eric Zetterberg, Kyle Ott
Leader: Mark Trinkl, [email protected]
The Elders shepherd and give spiritual oversight to Neighborhood Church.

We are so grateful to be able to shepherd this congregation. If there is anything you ever need prayer for, please let us know. We are here to support you. 


BOARD OF GOVERNANCE
Mark Trinkl (Chair),Eric Peacock(Vice Chair), Matt Sale (Treasurer), Sarah Luse (Secretary), Angela Drumm, Solomon Jack, Jeff Geraci.
The Board of Governance (BOG) sets boundaries for the Pastor.

The Board met on June 9th and discussed the roles of Pastor, Board, Staff and Congregation according to our Boundary Principle document. The Board also met on June 17th to discuss the role of Eric Peacock and serving on the Board, Elders, along with coming on the staff as the Youth Director. A memo of understanding was drafted to make sure there was not confusion about roles in the many hats Eric wears at Neighborhood Church. The Board is excited for him to be serving in this new capacity and trusting God’s leading. 

With Pastor Mark announcing that his name has been put forward to be the next District Superintendent of the Mid-Atlantic District, dependent on a vote at District Conference on October 6-8, the Board met proactively with the District Superintendent, Doug Conley, on August 16th to talk about the process in pastoral transitions. Please be praying for the Board for the unity of spirit and the bond of peace as they navigate a potential transition. The Board also met on September 8th and talked through leadership in challenging times, potential pastoral transitions, and finances. A new fence was approved for the Villa and will hopefully be completed in the next six months.