God is Doing Amazing Things at Mt. Auburn UMC!
In November 2007, like many churches, Mt. Auburn began a capital funds drive in an effort to build a new family life center. Ultimately, our dreams are to follow with a new Children’s Wing and Sanctuary. But, this campaign was to be about so much more! Under the theme of “The Excitement is Building,” Mt. Auburn set out to build up:

1. Our spirituality – through our efforts we wanted to draw closer to God;
2. Our Unity – renew and further develop God’s call for unity as we work together to see God’s will fulfilled;
3. The Kingdom of God – Serve as disciples and invite others to believe in the message of Jesus Christ.
4. A physical building – We wanted to build a space that will match the growth God has planned for Mt. Auburn.

As a whole, church members wanted to set the tone for this campaign by giving 10 percent (a Biblical tithe) of the funds collected to build a church or churches in Uganda.  This included giving the very first fruits of the campaign—$100,000—to this project.

By late January 2008, things began to take shape. The congregation in Africa purchased a site for their new church, which is on a hill that overlooks the Nile. Mt. Auburn used the Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church to help us send our finances to Uganda. We sent a mission team of three—Dr. Hertel, Jerry McRoberts, and Dave Klimes—to Uganda Aug. 21-Sept. 6, 2008, to help with the building of the church.  We continued to stay in touch and get updates from the pastor Julius Mugabi, who also serves as the District Superintendent of the Jinja District. 

Trinity United Methodist Church was dedicated on Sunday, March 29, 2009. Over 1,000 people attended including Dr. Hertel and his wife, Pat.  The pictures at the top are from that day.

Praise be to God!