Tuesday Word
August 18, 2015

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Worship: Sundays @ 8:15 am, 9:40 am, 11:00 am | Wednesdays @ 6:35 pm
Dear Friends, 

I hope it's okay for me as your Senior Pastor to be really proud of you - because I really am.  Over 130 of you have responded to my asking to be Greeters, Golf Cart Drivers, Coffee Makers!  And our new "Extravagant Welcoming" starts this Sunday!  We won't know until late in this week if the new Welcome Center will be completely finished, but we're going to do extravagant welcoming regardless - it's who God is and who we are called to be. (If you email us your name and request for a name tag, it will be ready for you on Sunday in the back of the worship center).

And, when I shared with you the "remaining items" that are still needed for the Welcome Center, several of you stepped forward and shared how excited and grateful you were to participate in the additional purchase.  Almost every item has been covered, with only a very few left.  Wow!

Under the great direction of Erin Cushing, Sonlight is now 60 strong - and growing, and excited to be leading worship at Trinity at 9:40!  And they will be in the loft this Sunday as will our other great choirs.  I'll be preaching on another parable of Jesus; the title:  The Relentless Love of God.

The group who went to Malawi are back and excited about the good work many of you have been making possible.  And on Thursday another group from Trinity leave for Guatemala, and the work at Faith Mission continues, appreciated by lots of folks in the neighborhood.

Several of you are stepping up to support the work of our Christian Pastor friend from Pakistan, who is working in such difficult circumstances of persecution.  The Mission Box on September 6 will go for his work.

A new Sunday School class is starting on September 23 at 9:30 in 224, led by my friend, Orvin Jenkins.  It's an excellent course on The Psalms, which is a favorite of people of all ages.  I commend this class to you, as I commend the Christian Believer Course, led by Rev. Aaron on Sunday afternoons, and the several Disciple Bible Study groups, all meeting on Tuesday nights (see the Adult Ministry section); also Alpha and Financial Peace University.  Lots of excellent offerings for you to choose from.

Two items of concern:
1.  We had a little scare the other day when two people who have on occasion been on Trinity's campus asking people for money over the past several months; last week, while one was distracting the receptionist, the other went upstairs and down the hall looking into every room, eventually stealing something from the bookstore.  No one was hurt, but they might have been.  As a result, we are advised strongly by ASO and GPD, to NOT give money to anyone asking for it on our campus.  This may sound harsh, but your good intentions could jeopardize our staff, children, or fellow members.  Trinity works generously with several agencies to help people in need - away from our campus.  
2.  It is dangerous and forbidden for people to park in the driving lane of our parking lots.  Often on Sunday mornings, in the large, main parking lot, persons have been parking in the driving lane, even though there are ample true parking spots available.  Please do not do that.

Love and prayers,
Dan

Quick Links
Upcoming Events (August 18 - 30)
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______________________________
Worship This Week
Wednesday: Rev. Aaron Rousseau
Sunday: Dr. Dan Johnson  
18 | Sonlight Spirit Night, Gator's Dockside, 5 - 8pm
20 |
Healing Touch Cancer Support Group, 5:30, O. Dean Martin Prayer Room
23 | Families on a Mission Sunday School begins "Gospel of John" study, 11am, Youth Bldg
23 | Promotion Sunday (Children's Sunday School)
25 | Disciple Orientation session, 7pm, 211
29 | Trinity Circuit Riders, 7:30 am
30 | Coffee with the Pastors, 9:40am, 222 (RSVP)
30 | Life South Blood Drive

A Message from Rev. Aaron
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Dear friends,

As we say around Trinity, "It's great to be home." That being said, however, I'm pretty sure I left a piece of me in Malawi - the warm heart of Africa. I am so grateful for Ted Grueser and the outstanding work he does for our church and the many missions and outreach opportunities he provides for our participation. When he first asked me about joining the team from Y-Malawi? for the trip to Nkhoma/Chilenge, I thought, "Sure! It would be great to visit a country in Africa." Then, I began to hesitate because of the length of the trip and the amount of travel required. Thankfully, Ted continued to encourage me. I had no idea that traveling 48 hours around the globe would lead me to encounter the presence of God in ways like I never have before. Indeed, it was one of the most profound spiritual experiences of my life.

World Vision and the ministry partners of Y-Malawi? are not only helping to change the hearts and lives of God's people in Malawi, they are changing the country. I cannot wait to share the stories we brought back with us, so be on the lookout for a blog series I will begin writing soon. We may also plan a special worship service or Wednesday night program. We'll let you know as details come together. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I encourage you to continue praying for Malawi, especially the children. There are more than 4,000 on World Vision's sponsorship waiting list.

Mulungu akhale nanu (God be with you),

Aaron 
Missions   
  • This week's Mission Box is for a church in Fond Bayard, Haiti. The donations will go to cover the cost of a roof for the church. The goal is to raise $4,000. Let's raise the roof! 
  • Enjoy great food and company while helping Family Promise at the same time! Purchase a meal at Napolatanos, on September 3rd between 4-10 PM. 10% of your meal and beverage charge will be donated to Family Promise, carryout orders are included. Be part of the community response to assist homeless children!
  • Vote for Called To Action for the Sunstate charity of the month!! Go to the Sunstate Federal Credit Union facebook page (link HERE), Click on "Vote" then either Skip or Verify the "Like" message. Scroll down to Called to Action box and click on vote box. Everyone can vote once a day everyday in August. They can win $1,000!!
Find more opportunities to serve on the Missions page
Faith Mission
Faith Mission, located at 3701 NE 15th Street, is a church and neighborhood collaboration.  Last week the Leadership Team met to discuss and prioritize work for the fall and our efforts will include neighborhood door-to-door introductions with surveys, participation in events at Rawlings Elementary, gathering and analyzing community data, supporting on-site programs like SNAP and Kids Count and off-site partnerships like Hogtown FC soccer and mentoring with Greenhouse Church, and visiting other mission centers in Florida.  

This week at Faith Mission
  • Faith Mission will be supporting Rawlings Elementary's pre-planning period this week with a meal for teachers and staff (Monday), swag bag items for teachers for their trip to Tallahassee to visit a fine arts magnet school (Wednesday), and books for children at the parent visitation time (Thursday).  Many thanks to Steve Swanson for cooking the wonderful meal yesterday (the teachers and staff were very appreciative), to Jenn Garrett for pulling things together for the swag bags, and to each volunteer who participated to support Rawlings this week!
  • There is much energy and many changes happening within the Alachua County School System, and Friday we'll have an opportunity to share about Faith Mission with Dr. Owen Roberts, Superintendent, and talk about potential ways to partner and serve.
  • Thanks to Erik Bredfeldt and Hogtown FC, soccer training sessions will begin this Saturday morning.  There is a need for more regular, easy-access activities for children in the neighborhood, and soccer will be a great addition.  
  • Kids Count, the after school program serving kindergarten through 3rd grade students, will begin operating five days per week at Faith Mission starting the first day of school!  The Kids Count staff is working hard this week to prepare for the new school year and they are excited about expanding the math and literacy tutoring with UF and enhancing the enrichment programming.
  • Many thanks to those who've responded to volunteer in various ways recently.  An updated list of volunteer opportunities will be posted next week!
Want to get involved? Visit the Faith Mission webpage
Youth Ministry
  • Wednesday, August 19 from 12 - 4 pm: Lunch Bunch at Moe's and GSP.
  • Sunday, August 23 from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Fall Kick-off!
Want more? Visit the Yoots website
Children's Ministry
  • Promotion Sunday is THIS Sunday! Children will move up to their new grade levels/rooms. We are excited to have everyone back from summer vacation!! If you are retaining or double promoting your child, please let Machelle know so we can update our records.
  • CHEERS begins September 9!  Children in grades Kindergarten through 5th are invited to be a part of this fun, mid-week program on Wednesdays from 4:00-5:30 pm.  Join us for fun science experiments, cooking, crafty creations, games, dancing, recreation and singing!  On-line registration is open.   
  • Join us for "Pajama Movie Night" at our next Parent's Night Out on Friday, September 11, from 5:30-8:30pm!  It will be a fabulous night of wearing your favorite pj's, watching a terrific movie, eating pizza and participating in fun activities!   PNO is for ages 12 months - 5th grade; cost is $12 per child with a $30 cap per family.  Please register and pay on-line by Wednesday, September 9. For questions contact Virginia Lewis (416-3014). 
  • 3rd Grade Parents: 3rd Grade Bible Presentation is Sunday, September 13th at 9:40. Please register your 3rd grader by September 6.  If you are in 4th or 5th grade and did not receive a bible, please email Machelle.  We want everyone to have the opportunity to receive a bible from Trinity!  
  • Are you interested in making a difference in the life of a child?  Come and be a part of our Children's Programs! We are looking for Sunday School teachers and youth helpers for all age groups who can commit to at least 1 Sunday a month.   We are also looking for CHEERS leaders, our Wednesday program from 4-5:30 for ages 3 through 5th grade.  Please contact Brian Wittstruck (416-3008) to tell us how you'd like to help!
There are more great things for your kids on the CMT page
Sonlight Youth Choir & Band
  • Sonlight has had three great rehearsals and I'm so excited for promotion Sunday on August 23! Sonlight members need to wear a Sonlight shirt and arrive at 9am in the choir room.
  • Don't forget we have our fundraiser tonight at Gator's Dockside from 5-8pm! Come support Sonlight with our August spirit night! 
  • Finally, all members need to have completed three items for membership:
  • Upcoming Dates:
    • August
      • 18 - Spirit night at Gator's Dockside, 5-8pm
      • 23 - Return to 9:40am service! Rehearsal 3-5:30pm
      • 30 - Rehearsal 3-5:30pm
    • September
      • 6 - No Sonlight am or pm
      • 13 - Officer's Meeting; Rehearsal 3-5:30pm
      • 20 - Rehearsal 3-5:30pm
Access previous performances, tour info and more on the Sonlight page!   
Music & Worship Arts
  • Join us for the Fall Rejoice!  "Speak Life".  Rejoice is a musical program for children who are currently in Kindergarten - 5th grade.  We will begin on Wednesday, September 9th at 2:00.  For more information please contact Susan Kovi, register today!
Would you like to join a choir? Volunteer? Check out the Music & Worship arts  page!   
Sports
  • Soccer practices begin the first week of school. We look forward to seeing everyone!

Find out about all our sports activities on the Sports page

Adult Ministry
  • Tuesday Morning Moms (9:30 - 11:30am; E203-204) begins Gideon: Your weakness. God's strength. by Priscilla Shirer on September 8.  Member books are $15. Childcare is available.
  • Women Growing in Faith (6:30 - 8:30pm; E232) begins Children of the Day by Beth Moore on September 8.  Members books are $18.
  • Trinity Ladies:  Are you looking for an online study this fall?  Proverbs 31 will begin a new online Bible study beginning September 8 called Taming The To-Do List by Glynnis Whitwer.  For more information click HERE.
  • Families on a Mission Sunday School (11am; Youth Bldg) begins a twelve-week study on August 23 called The Gospel of John.  Member books are available at the Trinity Bookstore for $17.  New participants are always welcome. 
  • If you will be leading a class or ministry and would like a Ministry Table for one Sunday or more, please contact David Leonard (416-3001) to reserve your space. Also, if you need an online registration form, please contact Kelly Ping.
  • ALERT (Adults Leisurely Enjoying Retirement) is a nondenominational luncheon and program event for seniors.  Meets monthly, first Fridays, 11:45 am, in Worship Center B. Our next meeting is September 4.  Come early for Bible study in the Worship Center at 10:30 am.  
  • Fall Course Offerings: Class materials may be obtained through Trinity's Bookstore or your class leader. Click on the name of each class for online registration.
    • Disciple Orientation Session, August 25, 7:00 pm, 211.  This is primarily for those who have registered for, or are considering, Disciple 1.  It is a very different format than other studies, requiring significant preparation for a long weekly class.  Though exceedingly rewarding, it is intense and requires commitment.  Come and see what it is, then decide how you can benefit and grow from it.
    • Disciple 1 - Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study is a 34-week overview of the Old and New Testaments
    • Disciple 2 -Into The Word Into The World is a 32-week study covering Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts (prerequisite: Disciple I)
    • Disciple 3 - Remember Who You Are is a 32-week study covering the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament letters of Paul (prerequisite: Disciple I)
    • Disciple 4 - Under The Tree of Life is a 32-week study covering concentrating on the Writings (Old Testament books not in the Torah or the Prophets), the Gospel of John, and Revelation (prerequisite: Disciple I)
    • Disciple Sunday School Class - Looking for a Disciple Bible Study class but can't do the 34-week, 2� hour weekly class?  This is for you!  It's one hour of Disciple Bible Study in Sunday School format.  Sundays, 9:30 am, room 224.
    • Invitation To The Old Testament is an 8-week exploration of the Old Testament's story of God and God's calling of the people of Israel through the many "voices" of the biblical text
    • Christian Believer - Knowing God With Heart And Mind is a 30-week study focusing on classical teachings of the Christian faith with words, symbols, hymns, and the writings of ancient and modern Christian commentators
    • Financial Peace University - a 9-week class teaching God's ways of handling money
    • Alpha - an 8 week course that provides a practical introduction to the Christian faith while giving guests an opportunity to openly explore the meaning of life. Alpha is fun, relaxed and totally non-pressured (that's probably why over 19 million people around the world have already done it!). If you are interested in hosting or helping out with a small table group - either at your home or at Trinity, or if you just want more information, please contact Sharon McDow and Janise McNair.
       
Looking for a course, Bible study or Sunday school class? Look no further than the Adult Ministry page
Caring & Support
  • Healing Touch Cancer Support Group will meet on Thursday, August 20th at 5:30 in the O. Dean Martin Prayer Room off the Atrium. This month our focus will be on "A Closer Relationship With God" presented by Margie Stark. All cancer survivors and patients are welcome to our meetings as we reach out to one another with love, compassion, and encouragement. If we can help, call Marcey at 331-2960 or Margie at 386-462-9592.
  • Caregiver Support Group: Meets every Monday from 7 pm-8:30pm (E225). Contact: Frank Wallace.
  • Stephen Ministry is our congregation's one-to-one care-giving ministry.  God works through Stephen Ministers to plant a seed of hope and healing in a person whose life seems barren and forlorn because of some crisis or tragedy.  Stephen Ministers meet with their care receivers once a week to listen, explore feelings and pray.  Our church needs more Stephen Ministers.  We will offer a new training class beginning on September 30.  An informational meeting will be held on September 16 at 7:00.  Please consider becoming part of this important and rewarding ministry.  For more information call 372.1027.
If you're in need of love and a helping hand, the Caring & Support page offers a search feature so you can find the support you need. 
General Announcements
  • Trinity Circuit Riders will ride our motorcycles to the Caf� in Trenton Florida for breakfast on August 29. We will meet at TUMC at 7:30 AM and leave at 7:45 for Trenton. Contact Tom Wallace for more info.
  • Last chance!  Don't miss the annual Trinity Talents Art Show on display now on the 2nd floor of the Education Building. Dozens of beautiful paintings, photos, fabrics art and more created by Trinity members, friends and associates. It all ends August 24th.
  • Are you interested in joining Trinity UMC? If you want to learn more about the vision, mission and ministries of Trinity, we invite you to attend one of our upcoming Coffee with the Pastors, a casual gathering in which you'll learn more about the United Methodist Church, who we are at Trinity and what is expected of members. The class is designed for visitors and gives you the opportunity to meet our ministers and learn about the many ways to become involved in our church family. The next Coffee with the Pastors' date is August 30 at 9:40 am in room 222.  To register for Coffee with the Pastors click here or email  Carmen Nelson to receive the form via email.   We would love to meet you and to welcome you into the membership of our church!  Let us know if you need childcare.
  • Trinity member, Reeves Byrd, will teach the AARP Smart Driver Course in a one day session convenient for Trinity members in 222 on Thursday, September 10th. This classroom refresher for motorists age 50 and older is offered for a modest fee, you do not have to be an AARP member to attend. To register, call Mrs. Lynda LeGrow at 333-3036.

Bible Studies
  • Women Growing in Faith, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30, E232
  • Tuesday Morning Moms, Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30, E203 (will not meet over the summer, resumes September 8)
  • Men's Prayer and Bible Study, Wednesdays, 7 am, E232
  • Wednesday Morning Pastor's Bible Study, Wednesdays, 9:15, Chapel
  • Exploring Jesus' Teachings, Thursdays, 10:30, E226 (will not meet over the summer, resumes September 10)
  • Life Changing Gathering with Rev. Marvin Celso, Wednesdays, 6:00pm, E225
  • Weekly Prayer Group, Thursdays, 7pm, Chapel
  • ALERT, first Friday of the month, 10:30 am, Worship Center
  • Dan Johnson's Daily Scripture Email (DSE) is available upon request 

If you would like more information or would like to visit one of these groups, please contact Kim.  

Family Matters 

Christian Love & Sympathy is extended to:

Marian Borg and family following the death of her mother, Monika Borg August 4th

Audrey Urquhart and family following the death of her friend and Trinity Member, Fay Tolley on August 9, in Kentucky where she had moved to be near family.

Mary Sterling and Amy Kirby and family following the death of her husband and Amy's father, Dallas Sterling on August 9. His memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 22 at 1:00 pm in the Chapel.

Kenneth Boote and family following the death of his wife, Linda Kay Boote on August 13.  Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 29 at 11:00 am in the Chapel.

Dennis Mc Connell and family following the death of his wife, Ruth McConnell on August 15. Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 22 at 10:00 am in the Chapel.

If you are celebrating your 80th, 90th or 90+ birthday and would like it announced in the Tuesday Word and/or the bulletin, contact Kelly Ping
Altar Flowers

The Altar Flowers are in celebration of the 57th wedding of Marjorie and Neil Opdyke.

If you would like to place flowers on the Altar in honor or in memory of a loved one please contact June.
Trinity United Methodist Church
4000 NW 53rd Ave | Gainesville, FL 32653
352.376.6615
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm | Friday, 8:30 am - 1:30 pm