Tuesday Word
September 8, 2015

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

Two words about the Engraved Bricks for the Welcome Center:
  1. We're still tracking three or four that were ordered but that we've not yet located; they will definitely be completed and installed.
  2. Lots of you have asked if there will be another offering of engraved bricks?  YES!  - during the whole month of October, which will mean they will be installed by Christmas.  We'll let you know specifics the first of October.
We need any and all Trinity Woodworkers.  You see, we saved some of the tongue and groove wood from the ceiling of the Welcome Center, in hopes that some of you woodworkers will make the wood into small crosses for this coming Lent/Easter.  If you would be willing to help with this,  please email me or our new Administrative Assistant, Shannon.  It will make the Lenten season even more special.

This Sunday, I'll be preaching on the most beloved Psalm of David:  the 23rd Psalm.  I would appreciate it if you would send me any special connections you have with this Psalm, why it is so beloved and cherished by you and so many.  It will also be the focus for our 3rd graders as a part of their Third Grade Bible Presentation, which is always a highlight for our congregation.

Our finances continue to be strong, with offerings at 99% of anticipation, and expenditures at only 90% of budget, due to careful and strategic planning by our leadership committees.  We have come through the challenging summer months very well, but we need to "keep on keeping on" through the Fall months of September and October which also have historically been slow in most churches.  

I thought you might appreciate this good note from Superintendent Dr. Owen Roberts after he spoke here at Trinity:  

Dear Pastor Johnson,

Words cannot express my appreciation along with my wife and daughter for the honor and privilege for us to minister, and to be ministered to, by the Trinity United Methodist Church family.  We were blessed and uplifted.  You have a wonderful church facility and congregation.  I love your children ministry area.  To that I say, to God be the glory.  The warmth and welcoming atmosphere of the church was magnetic. My wife and daughter expressed they have never felt so welcomed any where they have been since we came to live in the USA more than two and a half decades ago.

Your style and friendliness is so inviting and special.  You are a blessed man of God.  Thank you for your spiritual leadership and willingness to partnership with the public school system for the good of our boys and girls and their families in Alachua.  I will reach out to you and the Faith Mission leadership regarding support for our Parent Academy and Early Childhood Initiatives.

With greatest regards for a Spirit-filled journey to the end,

Owen

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Worship This Week
Wednesday: Malawi & Summer Missions Presentation, Worship Center

Sunday: Dr. Dan Johnson   
9 | Rejoice! (2:30 pm) and CHEERS (4pm) begin
9 | Wednesday Night Dinner kick-off, FREE Spaghetti, 5:30pm, Worship Center
9 | Malawi & Summer Missions presentation, 6:30, Worship Center
10 | Thursday Morning Bible Study Resumes, 10:30, 226
10 | Alpha Preview Night, 6pm, Worship Center
11 | Parent's Night Out, 5:30 - 8:30, (RSVP by 11/9)
13 | 3rd Grade Bible presentation
13 | Order of St. Luke Healing Service, 9:40, Chapel
13 | Youth Confirmation begins
13 | Disciple Sunday School class begins, 9:30, 224
13 | Christian Believer preview night, 3:30, 226
15 | FPU begins, 6:30 pm, 222
15 | 2016 Spring Break Youth Medical Mission trip meeting, 7pm
16 | Stephen Ministry information meeting, 7pm, 222
17 | Alpha begins, 6:00pm, Worship Center
20 | Invitation to the Old Testament orientation, 3:30, 225

A Message from Rev. Aaron
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Hello friends, I hope you enjoyed your Labor Day weekend. Two quick things for this week:
  1. Tomorrow evening, Wednesday September 9th, at 5:30pm we'll be having a free spaghetti dinner to kick off our fall programming. Instead of our usual nominal charge at the door, please bring a non-perishable food item to help us stock our charitable food pantry. After dinner, I hope you plan to stick around for our special missions presentation starting at 6:30pm. We'll be sharing about all the trips in which Trinity has participated this year, with a main focus on the recent trip to Malawi. See you there!
  2. This Sunday, September 13th at 3:30pm in room 226, I'll be hosting the orientation meeting for Christian Believer, a 32-week course that deals with the central doctrines of the Christian faith through the study Scripture and the writings of tradition's great theologians. We have a good group registered but there is always room for more. If you would like to join us, please register here.
Have a great week everyone. God's peace be with you.

Aaron
Missions   
  • This Sundays mission box is for our Sister-Church in Cienfuegos, Cuba - Trinity's sister-church since 2002.  Through annual mission trips, we have become close friends, and know they need our help to complete the rebuilding of their church after the 2005 hurricane. The Mission Box will be used for building needs and also for some salary support. There will be a snack lunch following the 11:00 am service this Sunday, September 13 at Trinity to learn more about Cuba and what is going there and to learn more about a mission trip that is planned for Spring of 2015.
  • 2016 Spring Break Youth Medical Mission will go to Matagalpa, Nicaragua, March 19-26, 2016. Adults and youth can sign-up to be part of this mission team. Our team will participate in a week of medical, dental and optometry clinics. We will have a meeting at Trinity at 7:00 pm on September 15. For more information contact Ted Grueser or Paul Davenport.
  • Mark your calendars! The Fall Missions Garage sale will be on October 3rd.
Find more opportunities to serve on the Missions page
Faith Mission

 

This week at Faith Mission (3701 NE 15 Street):  

  • Orientation for the families in the next Stop Now & Plan program (SNAP) will be Tuesday evening.  SNAP is a 13 week, early intervention program for elementary students and their parents.
  • Faith Mission volunteers will be working with several residents of Village Green & Forest Apartments to better organize books and games in their library being renovated.
  • Kids Count, the after school program serving kindergarten through 3rd grade students, is in operation at Faith Mission daily.  Volunteers are very welcome.
  • Meetings continue with groups considering bringing programs to the neighborhood; this week includes the Girl Scouts and the VA.
  • Planning with Rawlings Elementary and Greenhouse Church for the new mentoring program continues this week - be on the lookout for specifics to serve as a mentor soon!  
  • Here is a list of Faith Mission volunteer opportunities (particularly ways to serve for people not on the Leadership Team). Check it out and feel free to share.
Want to get involved? Visit the Faith Mission webpage
Children's Ministry
  • CHEERS and Rejoice! begin TOMORROW!  Children in grades Kindergarten through 5th are invited to be a part of these fun, mid-week programs on Wednesdays from 2-5:30 pm. Rejoice (from 2 - 4) is a musical program and CHEERS (4 - 5:30) includes science experiments, cooking, crafty creations, games, dancing, recreation and singing! Registration for both programs are open, simply click on the name of the program for the registration links.
  • CHEERS Shepherds NEEDED-Volunteer to "shepherd" children from one exciting activity to the next on Wednesday afternoons from 4-5:30.  No lesson planning and preparation!  Email Brian if interested!
  • 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 TOMORROW. For questions contact Virginia Lewis (416-3014). 
  • ATTENTION all parents of children in grades 2nd through 5th:  It's time to get our Acolyte Ministry Team started again!  Parents and children, please join us on Sunday, September 20th in the Worship Center at 12:05 for a brief orientation.  We will be exploring what it means to be an acolyte as well as practicing the acolyte's role on a Sunday morning. There will be a sign-up sheet available for those children who would like to be part of this wonderful ministry.
There are more great things for your kids on the CMT page
Youth Ministry
  • Small groups had a great kick-off last Wednesday night!  It's not too late to join, e-mail the yoot department to get more information.
  • Confirmation starts THIS Sunday, September 13th at 11am in the youth building for all students grade 6 and above. E-mail Julie to get signed up or for more information.
  • UMYF this week is our second Salt and Light night of the year.  Come hear how Jesus may or may not have broken one of the 10 commandments... keeping the Sabbath holy.
  • Pray for all of us going to Rock the Universe this weekend, may we have safe travels, meaningful worship, and a fun time!
  • Please spread the word about our 3rd annual Pumpkin Run 5k on October 4th.  Information and registration can be found on the website.
Want more? Visit the Yoots website
Sonlight Youth Choir & Band
  • It's never too late to join Sonlight! Contact Erin if you are interested in being a part of Sonlight - as a singer, instrumentalist, or tech crew member. You can also visit the website for more information, and all forms for registering as a member - Student and Family information form, Photo release form, Handbook agreement form 
  • Upcoming Dates:
    • September
      • 13 - 9am in choir room; Officers meeting at 2:15pm; rehearsal 3-5:30pm
      • 14 - Sonlight Spirit Night at Zaxby's on NW 43rd from 5-8pm  
      • 20 - Sonlight meets at 9am in choir room; Rehearsal 3-5:30pm
      • 27 - Sonlight meets at 9am in choir room; Rehearsal 3-4:30pm (Gainesville Choral Festival begins at 5pm - Sonlight members who are working the events should wear their teal logo shirts and plan on staying until 7pm)
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!   
Adult Ministry
  • Wednesday Night Dinners are back! Starting tomorrow, September 9th with a kick-off free spaghetti dinner at 5:30 pm. Please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to our local food banks.
  • Calling all moms!  You're invited to a community of moms just for you! MOPS and MOMSnext is for all moms with kids birth through high school. It's a place for friendship, authentic community, support and growth - because Better Moms Make a Better World!  Meetings every other Wednesday starting September 9 from 5:30-7:45pm. Dinner and childcare are provided!  Email to RSVP and for more information.  
  • 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 please join us for an online Bible study with Proverbs 31 Ministries called Taming The To-Do List from September 8 - October 9. You'll need to register for the study directly with Proverbs 31 to receive their weekly emails which will help you follow along.  To feel more connected, you are also invited to join our own Trinity discussion blog. If you would like to order a book through Trinity or have further questions please contact Kim Lewerenz.
  • 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.
    • NEW! 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 beginning September 13, 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, begins September 20.
    • 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, starts next week, September 13.
    • Financial Peace University - a 9-week class teaching God's ways of handling money, begins September 15.
    • Alpha - Alpha is here! Alpha Preview: Thursday, September 10 6:00-8:30 pm, Trinity Banquet Hall. Dinner $7. Free Childcare (ages 1yr - 12yrs). For more information visit the Alpha page or contact Janise McNair. Let your friends know it's time to #TryAlpha!
Looking for a course, Bible study or Sunday school class? Look no further than the Adult Ministry page
Caring & Support
  • The Order of St. Luke will hold its monthly healing service in the Chapel at 9:40 this Sunday morning, September 13th.   Rev. David Leonard will present one of the healing miracles of Jesus in a short sermonettte. Come and be a part of the healing prayers offered for so many that are sick or hurting.  If you know someone with cancer or if you have cancer right now come and pray with us.  This is the most powerful thing that you can do.  If you know of others with heart disease, respiratory diseases, diabetes, waiting for surgery, etc., come and pray. God is the Great Physician! Turn it over to Him.
  • Anyone who is considering becoming a part of Stephen Ministry is invited to an informational meeting to be held on September 16 from 7 - 8pm in 222.  We will give an overview of the Stephen Ministry program and answer any questions you might have.  Stephen Ministry offers an opportunity to serve those people in our church and community who are hurting and are in need of a caring listener.  Classes will begin on September 30 at 6:45pm in 222.  If you have been considering this ministry please call 372-1027 for more information or go to click here to register for the training.
  • Caregiver Support Group: Meets every Monday from 7 -8:30pm in 225. Contact Frank Wallace.
  • There will be no Dorcas meeting September 15th or September 22nd.  Look for dates in October.
  • Healing Touch Cancer Support Group will welcome Dr. Kiona Subramanian, a family physician in Gainesville, to our meeting on Thursday, September 17th at 5:30 pm in the O. Dean Martin prayer room off the Atrium. Her topic, "Healing the Gut During and After Cancer Treatment" will be of great interest to cancer patients and survivors as well. For more information, call Margie at 386-462-9592. 
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
  • TCR (Trinity Circuit Riders) will ride to Grannie's in Starke on September 19 for breakfast.  We will meet at Trinity at 7:30am and leave at 7:45 AM.  Contact Tom Wallace for more info.
  • The new fall art show debuts this Sunday with a reception at noon on the second floor of the Education Building. Please join us to meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments.  This is an invitational show featuring the graphic art and design work of; Sharon Bartz, Linda Bryant, Grace TeSelle, Alice Wallis, and John Webster. The show also includes The Hands Project by Joyce Pearson and the wood carving collection of Chuck and Pam Goad.  Don't miss this inspirational and entertaining show.
  • Mommy Reads will be making trips on September 19 and December 12. We will spend the morning at the Lowell Correctional Facility taking an audio recording of incarcerated mothers reading to their children, then we send the book and recording to them so they can still have their mother read to them at bedtime. Our day usually goes from 8am - 2pm. A simple background check must be done through the prison, and we normally have a "training" session the week before the trip.  This is a wonderful opportunity to serve!  Please think about joining us or supporting us financially or with donations of new books for children up to middle school level.  Books must be able to fit in a flat rate envelope. For more information, please contact Beth Haines (373-9469).
  • Friendship...Partnership...Service. The United Methodist Women (UMW) will honor the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) at their Fall Kick-Off event on Saturday, September 19 from 10am - noon in the Youth Building with guest speaker, Pam Garrison on "Disaster Response: The Role of the Church." 75 UMCOR school kits will be assembled as the mission outreach project, everyone is welcome! For more information regarding UMW and Circles, please contact Marie Samec or Gail Werner.
  • 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.
  • Are you interested in joining Trinity UMC? If you want to learn more about the vision, mission & 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 October 11 at 9:40 am in room 222.  To register click here or email Carmen Nelson.  We would love to meet you and to welcome you into the membership of our church!  Let us know if you need childcare.

Bible Studies
  • Women Growing in Faith, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 pm, E232
  • Tuesday Morning Moms, 9:30-11:30 am, E203
  • Men's Prayer and Bible Study, Wednesdays, 7:00 am, E232
  • Wednesday Morning Pastor's Bible Study, 9:15 am, Chapel
  • Thursday Morning Bible Study, 10:30 am, E226
  • Weekly Prayer Group, Thursdays, 7:00 pm, 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 

Happy Birthday to Velma Shewmaker, who turns 92 on September 11.

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 Memory of Dorothy S. Thomas.

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