Tuesday Word
September 15, 2015

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

Did you know that Trinity has a Foundation - just as UF does and countless other worthy institutions do?  We began it about 15 years ago, but with all our building we weren't able to give it adequate attention, however now we can.  And thanks to the very able leadership of Bill Burger, who was a Trust officer in a bank in Iowa, and who helped his UM churches in Iowa develop Foundations, our Trinity Foundation is active again!  With interest on the money that has been given so far, the TF has been able to provide part of the funding for the new sidewalk that is being built between the Trinity Chapel and the Atrium and the Playground.  

The Trinity Foundation is also now accepting applications for Grants (up to $4,000);  apply to Laura Richardson, addressing these three areas:
  1. How your proposal is consistent with and advances the Mission of Trinity UMC?
  2. What your proposal specifically will accomplish?
  3. How much money you are hoping to receive?
They will be awarded at their December meeting.

Finally, the Trinity Foundation will sponsor a workshop on February 3 entitled:  A Gift of Love; Intentional Estate Planning, which will be led by Tom Wilkerson from the Florida UM Foundation, whose newly elected President is our own former Associate Minister, Rev. Mark Becker!  Your contributions to the Trinity Foundation will help assure dynamic ministry through Trinity for years to come.

The Mission Box on September 6 for persecuted Christians in Pakistan and the work of Rev. Augustine Joseph was $11,500!  Thank you!  Thank you!  While we can't solve every crisis, we are called to be faithful as we can be, and this will surely help.

The related but different crisis that has the world's attention now is the one of civil war in Syria and the brutality of ISIS and the resulting flood of refugees into neighboring countries, Turkey and Europe.  Following are two links that inform us of what United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is doing and how we can help through them; here is a prayer, and here is an informative article. In addition, one of our Trinity family, UF Professor Matthew Jacobs who spoke so impressively this past Spring about ISIS will, by popular request, speak again on Wednesday, October 21 (mark your calendar) on the subject of "US Policy, Refugees and the Crisis in Syria."

Also, and you've been so generous toward the new Welcome Center that I almost hate to mention this, but, just in case two of you want to make a special donation, here it is:  We will be purchasing two mature trees to put in the open space near the Welcome Center (left open when we unexpectedly had to cut down the other tree out there because it was diseased), to provide shade and beauty.  The cost is $1,000 per tree.  If you're interested, contact me or Shannon.

Finally, the Dedication of our new Welcome Center will be on Sunday, October 25.  Feel free to plan your group or Sunday School Classes activities, Ice Cream social, etc out there; we want it used a lot, and certainly more than just on Sunday mornings!

Love and prayers, Dan

Quick Links
Upcoming Events (September 15 - 27)
Submit a Prayer Request
Trinity's Website
______________________________
Worship This Week
Wednesday: Lenora Rousseau
Sunday: Dr. Dan Johnson   
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
19 | UMW Fall Kick-Off, 10am, Youth building
20 | Invitation to the Old Testament orientation, 3:30, 225
23 | Pumpkin Run Tshirt registration deadline
27 | Gainesville Choral Festival, 5pm, Worship Center

A Message from Rev. Aaron
Email | Blog | Twitter

Friends, it was thrilling to see so many of you turn out for last week's free spaghetti dinner and the Malawi presentation that followed. For those of you who missed the presentation, stay tuned to my blog, where I am continuing to write and share photographs from the trip. You can read my latest post here. Also, we received new sponsorship forms from WorldVision last week for children in the same region of Malawi. My family is adding another child (his name is Promise and he and I share the same birthday) and I hope many of you will join us. Y-Malawi church partners sponsor more than 5,000 children in Nkhoma/Chilenge, which is AWESOME, but WorldVision currently has more than 4,000 children on a waiting list. If you have questions about child sponsorship or if you are ready to make the commitment, please talk to me or Ted.

Two more things: 1) Malawi is only one place where Trinity has been on mission this year. Below is a video that highlights the great work you've done. 2) I will be at the New Room Conference in Franklin, TN, this week. So, my lovely wife, Lenora, will be preaching at the 6:35 service on Wednesday. You don't want to miss it.

Mulungu akhale nanu (God be with you),

Aaron
2015 Mission Highlights
2015 Mission Highlights
Missions   
  • This week's Mission Box is House of Hope. The House of Hope of Gainesville has been successfully serving since 1996.  It is a prison transitional ministry helping men and women mend lives from the consequences of crime.  The program is Christ-centered and its participants live in a home, like a family.  The belief is that love and support changes people from the inside out.  
    'For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me: I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me.'  (Matthew 25:35-40)
  • The Little Dresses for Africa project is still going strong.  To date, the Trinity group has sent over 1,400 dresses to such places as Appalachia (sent with ASP), South Africa, Malawi, Guatemala, India, Haiti, Jamaica, and Mexico.  Because we have heard that some human traffickers avoid villages where they see the Little Dresses, we know that we will continue to sew.  If you would like information about this wonderful mission, or would like to donate usable fabrics to the sewing group, please contact Jeannine Cawthon (352-375-2349).
  • 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 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
 
Several weeks ago I wrote about guidelines Faith Mission is using our partnering relationships, with questions such as:  Will it help meet a need in our neighborhood? Will the program have good leadership? Will it help build relationship and trust? But relative to a specific need or challenge, we have to dig a little deeper - we want to distinguish between a crisis and a chronic need.  Why is that important?  

It's important because each type of need will best be served in different ways.  If it's a crisis (for example a family has no food in the home towards the end of the month), then this need must be addressed with emergency intervention (in this case providing food).  Providing support to a person or family in crisis often relies on the mercy and generosity of a giver and impacts the symptoms and not the cause.  Serving a crisis situation is short term.

But what if it is a chronic need, like a family regularly running out of food due to lack of employment or underemployment?  This need is best addressed with development (perhaps providing access to job training and mentoring).  Serving chronic needs takes the long view and enhances the capacity of the person.  This requires intentional strategies done relationally, honoring a person's dignity each step of the way.  

This week at Faith Mission -
  • The Leadership Team will be meeting Tuesday evening, 6 - 7:45 pm.
  • Our outreach to introduce Faith Mission to residents and gather their input continues this week with a focus on the Highland Court Manor subdivision.
  • The next Stop Now & Plan program (SNAP) begins Tuesday evening.  SNAP is a 13 week, early intervention program with trained facilitators and serves both elementary students and their parents.
  • Kids Count, the after school program serving K - 3rd, is serving 20 children daily.  Volunteers are very welcome.
  • The second Prayer at Faith Mission will be this Thursday from 6:30- 7 ppm.   This is a monthly time of prayer for the neighborhood, for individual prayer concerns, and for the work of Faith Mission.  All are invited and welcome.
  • Here is a list of Faith Mission volunteer opportunities.
Want to get involved? Visit the Faith Mission webpage
Children's Ministry
  • CHEERS and Rejoice! are underway! It's not too late for children in grades Kindergarten through 5th 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! 
  • CHEERS Shepherds still 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!
  • 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.
  • Upcoming Events:
    • October 4, 6pm: Pumpkin 5K Run (Register by 9/23 for a shirt!)
    • October 9, 5:30-8:30pm: Parent's Night Out (Register by 10/7)
    • October 11, 11am: Baptism Orientation
    • October 25, 4-7pm: Great Pumpkin Harvest

There are more great things for your kids on the CMT page

Youth Ministry
  • This Sunday at UMYF we will have having the Salt & Light night where we get to investigate how Jesus reacted when He got angry... and we mean really angry!  Come check it out, bring $3 for dinner and a friend.  5:30-7:30pm in the youth building.
  • It's not too late to join this year's confirmation experience, contact Julie to get caught up!
  • Sign up, and then promote our 3rd annual Pumpkin Run!  Sunday night October 4th, the gun goes off at 6:00pm.  All proceeds go to our youth missions.  We will have a new course this year taking us beyond Trinity's property, and prizes for those who show up in costume!  Get more information and register now!
  • Check out our website and join our facebook and instagram accounts to keep up to date on the latest info, TrinityYoots.
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
      • 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!   
Adult Ministry
  • Wednesday Night Dinners are back! Dinner prices are $7 for adults and $3 for kids (0-5 eat free) with a $25 family cap. Dinner will be served from 5:30 - 6:30 pm, the dining room will stay open until 7:00 pm.
  • Trinity Ladies: If you are signed up for the online Bible study with Proverbs 31 Ministries; Taming The To-Do List, you are also invited to join our online discussion blog.  For more information, contact Kim Lewerenz.
  • NEW Disciple Sunday School Class: Looking for a Disciple Bible Study class but can't do the 34-week, 2½ 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. 
  • Disciple 2 - Into The Word Into The World - a 32-week study covering Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts - begins TONIGHT in room 225.  Come join us!
  • 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.  Begins this Sunday, 3:30-5:00 pm, room 226. 
  • 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 in room E225.  Member books are available for purchase at the Bookstore or in class for $13.  
     
  • Financial Peace University - a 9-week class teaching God's ways of handling money, begins TONIGHT in room E222.  It's not too late to join the class.  Member kits are $100.
  • Alpha - Alpha is here! Thursday, September 17, 6 - 8:30 pm in the Trinity Banquet Hall. Dinner is $7. Free Childcare for ages 1 - 12yrs (please let Janise know if you need childcare). For more information visit the Alpha page or contact Janise McNair. Let your friends know it's time to #TryAlpha!
  • Men's Wednesday Morning Bible Study will start a 10 week study of portions of Genesis on Wednesday, October 7, from 7 - 8:15pm in 231.  All Trinity men are invited, coffee and donuts are provided.  Call Marv McMillan (335-2069) for more information.
  • Stephen Minister Training: Do you have a calling to help others?  You will receive 50 hours of training (beginning September 30, 7 pm) to equip you with all the tools you need to be an attentive and compassionate care provider, offering one-on-one attention and care to someone who has asked for help through the church.  Please call 372-1027 for more information, or register online.
     
Looking for a course, Bible study or Sunday school class? Look no further than the Adult Ministry page
Music & Worship Arts
  • The Gainesville Choral Festival, featuring adult choirs from Trinity and 4 other Gainesville Churches, will be held at Trinity on Sunday, September 27, at 5:00pm in the Worship Center. Former Chancel Choir Director, Dr. Mihoko Tsutsumi, will be our guest conductor. Everyone is welcome to join us for an afternoon of great music!
For more information about joining a choir, volunteering and more, visit the Music page.
Caring & Support
  • Anyone who is considering becoming a part of Stephen Ministry is invited to an informational meeting to be held on September 16, 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
  • Welcome Trinity's newest members into Full Membership: Andrew & Sarah Bajorek, Sarah Burger, David & Patti Langston, Bill & Joy McCallum, Mark Nihil, and Nick & Lisa Stroud. As Baptized Members: Ethan Bajorek, London Caballero, Sela Hughes, and Dylan Nihil. We look forward to growing together with you on this journey we call knowing, loving, and serving God. When you see them, reach out and welcome them to Trinity.
  • TCR (Trinity Circuit Riders) will ride to Grannie's in Starke on September 19 for breakfast.  We will meet at Trinity at 7:30 am and leave at 7:45 am.  Contact Tom Wallace for more info.
  • The new fall art show is up on the second floor of the Education Building. 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.
  • 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 10 am - 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.
  • 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 

Christian Love & Sympathy is extended to Larry and Bonnie Roose and family following the death of their son, Benjamin Mitchell Roose on August 31; as well as to Ginny Quackenbush and family following the death of her mother, Kathleen Long Tew on September 6.

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 Robert Lauramoore, a loving husband, father, papa and friend.  Forever in our hearts. -The Lauramoore Family

If you would like to place flowers on the Altar in honor or in memory of a loved one please contact Shannon.
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