Bishop Julius C. Trimble, Iowa’s resident United Methodist bishop since 2008, will become the leader of the Indiana area in September. The announcement was made during the Consecration Service of the 2016 North Central Jurisdictional Conference on Saturday, July 16.
Celebrate the ministry of the Bishop and First Lady on Saturday, August 6, 2pm-6pm, at the Conference Center
Bishop Trimble was elected to be a bishop of the church at the 2008 North Central Jurisdictional Conference, held that year in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A clergy member of the East Ohio Delegation, he had been the pastor of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Warrensville Heights, Ohio. Prior to that appointment he was the Superintendent for the Cleveland District.
During his eight years in Iowa Bishop Trimble led the effort to raise over $2 million for Imagine No Malaria, surpassing the Conference’s goal by even rolling up his sleeves and flipping pancakes. He has become known across the denomination as a strong champion for immigrant rights; his participation in a prayer vigil led to his being arrested along with other religious leaders in support of the cause. He has been a local voice for peace and justice with other Iowa religious including the Rt. Rev. Alan Scarfe, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Des Moines.
Bishop Trimble’s personal greeting, “Be Encouraged,” has challenged lay and clergy alike to “rise to their highest potential.” He has celebrated with graduates of the School for Lay Ministry and brought a powerful message to the clergy School for Ministry. He was a favorite featured speaker at the mid-winter Youth Strike for Christ in recent years.
Bishop Trimble has been joined in ministry by First Lady Racelder Grandberry-Trimble through the True Vine Ministry that has brought clergy and clergy spouses together for retreats, reading groups, and luncheons at annual conference sessions. Particular appreciated were their several visits to The Village in Indianola and time spent with retired clergy families of the Conference.
Bishop Trimble officially begins his new ministry chapter with the Indiana Conference on September 1, 2016.
