Trinity United Methodist Church
Tuesday Word
March 8, 2016

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

As we often say, "It's great to be home!"  Thanks for your prayers for Ted and me and our time at the Seminary in Lagos, Nigeria - a city that has grown from 19 million to 21 million since our Trinity team was there five years ago!  I had a great class of pastors and soon-to-be pastors, and I hope I helped them some with their preaching, as they helped me as well.  I felt that I was acting as Trinity's representative.I'm looking forward to being back in the pulpit at Trinity this Sunday, our text is from John 6, and Jesus' feeding of the multitudes: "I am the Bread of Life."

For many years our beloved Youth Director, Julie Mishoe, has had a long standing desire to get a degree in counseling, something that has grown out of her love for, and desire to help our young people. Although accepted into the program at UF several years ago, she has put it off - until now. Effective this June, Julie is reducing her responsibilities and shifting to Assistant Youth Director, so that she can enroll in a weekend program that is located here. This way, she will be able to continue the work she loves with our youth, while also getting a degree in a field that will enhance that work. She shared this news with our youth this past Sunday and we have already begun an intense and thorough national search for a new Director of Student Ministries. We hope to have that person in place by early summer.  I hope you will help us encourage Julie, who grew up at Trinity, received the outstanding student in "Christian Ed" award at Florida Southern and has served as Assistant Director and then Director of our student ministries for over 12 years (the average tenure of a youth director is only 1 1/2 years!). We are very excited for her and hope you will be too.    

It's been great having former colleagues back for our Wednesday night dinners and service; I'm sorry I missed David Dodge and his fishing story last week (the fish I caught was a lot bigger than the picture he showed!), and am looking forward to David and Courtney Allen being with us this Wednesday, I hope you will join us in welcoming them back.

I love reading the Easter Lily Dedications - it seems like such an appropriate tribute to the people we hold dear.  You can order your Lily and make your dedication online, or by contacting Shannon (416.3005) no later than March 20.

Finally, last year's Seder meal was so meaningful and so many people wanted us to have it again so they can invite their friends. It will be on March 24, led by Lenora Rousseau; her Jewish heritage makes this especially meaningful and authentic. Tickets are required and you may get yours by contacting Alice (416.3016).

Love and prayers, Dan
Worship This Week
Wednesday: Rev. David Allen
Sunday: Dr. Dan Johnson
 
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Upcoming Events
9 | Lenten Worship Service, Rev. David Allen
11 | ALERT Bible study (10:30), lunch (11:45)
11 | Bible 100, 6-8pm, 232
11 | Trinity Camp-out
12 | #WomenLivingUnfiltered, 8am - 1pm, Worship Center
13 | Coffee with the Pastors, 9:40am, 222
16 | Lenten Worship Service, Rev. Jayne Pearce
18 | Parent's Night Out, 5:30 - 8:30 (RSVP by 3/16)
20 | Sit Together Sunday, 9:40 & 11am (no Children's Sunday School) 
A Message from Rev. Aaron
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Friends,

We are partnering with Youth Ministry Institute (YMI) in our nationwide search for Trinity's next Director of Student Ministries. This process calls for a focus group meeting with the Director of YMI to help establish the type of person we feel will make a great fit for this critically important position. We will be meeting this Sunday, March 13, from noon until 2pm in room 232. All interested students and parents are invited to participate. Lunch will be provided so if you plan to attend, please email me to let me know.

Also, Lenora and I will be co-leading The Marriage Course on Thursday evenings, March 31 to May 19, from 6-8:30pm. You're invited to experience 8 focused-date nights for you and your spouse to enjoy a delicious meal and private conversation - aimed at helping you grow closer together. Register here. Cost is $110, and includes all meals and childcare. We are also looking for additional volunteers to help us make this course a life-changing experience for couples. If interested, please let me or Lenora know.

Grace and peace be with you,
Rev. Aaron
Missions
Ted Grueser
  • This week's mission box will support Newberry Christian Community School.  The school serves grades K3-12 helping children excel in life and in service to Jesus Christ.  The school is expanding and is purchasing Trinity Methodist Church's original home on 8th Avenue. Let us help them as they raise the last $100,000 to close on the property so they may continue in giving children a Christ centered education.
  • Bread of the Mighty Food Bank "Empty Bowls" fundraising event: May 19, 5:30-7pm. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Admission includes a meal, beverage & handmade ceramic bowl.
  • The Family Promise 2nd Annual Bed Race will be on April 2 at the Santa Fe College track. Show your support for the Trinity team as they compete to be the fastest bed and to raise the most funds of any team. Your support will make a difference in the lives of homeless children and their families in Alachua county. Be sure to see the bed outside of the Worship Center on March 13. Volunteers will be there to answer questions and accept donations. Checks should be made payable to Family Promise of Gainesville. The four bed pushers and their passenger Princess Leia (aka Lenora Rousseau), need you to come out on April 2 to cheer them on.  The race begins at 10am but the beds will be there starting at 8:30. There will be a bounce house, face painting, a parade of beds and fun for all!
  • Mark Your Calendars. The Spring Yard Sale will be Saturday, April 2
  • A community needs your help! April 24-30, Trinity will be taking a team back to El Salvador to drill a well with Living Water.  If you are interested in being a part of this great opportunity please contact Ted. There are limited spots available so act fast.  There are scholarships available so don't let money stop you from taking advantage of God using you in the world.
Faith Mission
Ward Simonton

 

Highlights at Faith Mission and the neighborhood this week
  • Monday - Friday: Kids Count. Tutors are back from UF spring break, and the children are going to the Gainesville airport for a field trip (they've made their passports and are ready to go)!
  • Tuesday - Thursday: Mentoring at Rawlings Elementary (for 4th and 5th graders during the lunch period).
  • March 8: Youth Group - Weekly gathering of teen boys and young men at Faith Mission.
  • March 8: Leadership Team meeting - monthly Faith Mission planning meeting of church and neighborhood members.
  • March 12: Girl Scouts - "Fun Day" Saturday event for 5 community development troops to come for activities inside and out.
Children's Ministry
Elizabeth Jones 
  • Be a part of Trinity's Summer Camp, registration is now OPEN!
    • Summertime Fun: Children, age 1 (and walking) by April 1, 2016, through incoming 1st graders, are invited to join a fun-filled morning of activities, crafts, music, movement, and free play related to special Bible themes.
    • Crosstrainers: Incoming 2nd - 7th graders are invited to join an outdoor-based day camp. Children will play and learn fundamentals for basic sports, participate in group games, and enjoy a fun Florida summer.
    • Fusion: Fusion is for incoming 1st & 2nd graders only and spaces are limited!  This new hybrid day camp will incorporate elements of Summer Time Fun (STF) and Crosstrainers (CT) programs into one.
  • VBS Registration is open for VBS volunteers and their children
  • Our annual Easter Celebration is on March 27 at 9:40! Join us for our wonderful children's Sunday School program, followed by singing under the oaks, the Easter Story and our family egg hunt. Don't forget your Easter basket! (Note: There will be no Children's Sunday School at 11). 
  • Mark Your Calendars:
    • March 18 | Parent's Night Out, 5:30 - 8:30 (RSVP)
    • 20 | 9:40 & 11am, Sit Together Sunday
  • Save the Date for Vacation Bible School: June 13-17 from 9-12:00 for those who have completed  Pre-K through 5th grade.  Registration begins on April 3.
  • Save the date: May 3 is Children's Sunday!  Our Trinity children will be leading the 9:40 worship service so we need all of our children's beautiful voices! Parents, please plan to be in town on May 3.
Youth Ministry
Julie Mishoe
  • Wednesday afternoon hangout at the youth building from 3-4 to build the Millennium Falcon race bed! Free ice cream to helpers!
  • Sunday night, 5:30-8:30pm for our annual Shamrock Dance with our friends from ARC, come dance the night away with us!
  • Friday Morning Breakfast Buddies at Bagel Bakery at 7am.  Start your Fridays off on a delicious note of warm bagels and hot coffee, oh, yeah, and awesome company!
Dance Camp
Susan Kovi
  • Dance Camp 2016: Registration will begin on March 7 for girls who are currently in 1st - 5th grade. Camp is July 25-29, 9am - 1pm with a performance on the 29th at noon.  For more information or to register please contact Susan Kovi (416-3039).
Sonlight Youth Choir & Band
Erin Cushing
  • Upcoming dates:
    • 13 | Officer's meeting at 2:15pm; rehearsal 3-5:30pm; officer applications due
    • 20 | No Sonlight am or pm - Happy spring break!
    • 27 | Sonlight morning only, all meet at 8:30am in the choir room
    • 31 | Tour 2016 deposits due
Adult Ministries
Kim Lewerenz
  • Bible 100: March 116-8pm led by Beth Demme. Cost is $10.  Today is the last day to register online, walk-ins are welcome! For more information about Beth visit her website.  She will also be our keynote speaker at our upcoming Women's Event on March 12.
  • Trinity Ladies: Register now for our upcoming Women's Event #WomenLivingUnfiltered on March 128am-1pm.  $25 in advance (by TODAY), $30 at the door. A light breakfast and lunch is included.  For more information contact Kim (416-3074). 
  • Upcoming Studies:
    • The Alpha Marriage Course: Thursdays, March 31-May 19, 6-8:30pm. Taught by Rev. Aaron Rousseau and Lenora Rousseau. Register Now.
    • The Holy Spirit book study: Wednesdays, April 6 - April 27, 6:30-7:30pm, 203/204. Books are available at the bookstore for $13.
  • United Methodist Women:
    • 12 | North Central District UMW are invited to attend the District Spiritual Enrichment Day Zion UMC in Ocala. Guest speaker is Sarah Campbell, a graduate of UF and Asbury Theological Seminary
    • 12 | #WomenLivingUnfiltered, an exciting new event for women of all ages at Trinity. Fellowship, inspiration, illumination, music, and lunch provided. Keynote speaker: Beth Demme. 8am - 1pm
    • 15 | Dorcas Group, 9:30-11:30 am, E222. (Meets the 3rd Tuesday/month)
    • 23 | Day of Giving/Legacy Day
Caring & Support
Lenora Rousseau
  • Caregiver Support Group meets every Monday from 7-8:30pm in the O. Dean Martin Prayer Room. All are welcome. Contact Frank Wallace (516-637-5754).
  • Weekly Prayer Group: "Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7)  All are welcome to join us for prayer or leave a written Prayer Request in the Trinity Chapel. We love praying for others.  We meet every Thursday at 7-8 PM (except Holidays or 3rd Thursdays when we meet at Faith Mission, 6-6:30 PM).  Contact Jay Schnedl.
  • ALERT meets this Friday. Join us for Bible Study at 10:30am and lunch at 11:45am in the Worship Center. Contact Jim Cook.
  • Please come to the Order of St. Luke Healing Service on March 13 at 9:40am in the Chapel. We are honored and pleased to have Tom Stenftenagal as our speaker. You may remember his story from one of the current Lenten devotionals. Tom was a race car driver who narrowly survived a horrific crash at the Gainesville Speedway.  With several critical, life threatening injuries to cope with, Tom had three after-death experiences.  Come and hear his riveting testimony. Bring a friend! Pray for someone you know that desperately needs healing.  Come and see.  Come and hear.  Come and pray.
  • Griefshare: A journey from mourning to joy. This 10 week class begins April 6 at 6:45pm in E224. The cost for the class is $15 (scholarships available), which can be paid by cash or check the first night. Childcare will provided at no charge. Register online or contact Lynn Cunningham (372-1027).
  • Support during a difficult time: In addition to our clergy and parish visitation team, our Stephen Ministers are trained and ready to help during times of transition, isolation, crisis, or rebuilding. If you or someone you know would benefit from speaking to a Stephen Minister, please contact Lenora.
  • Healing Touch Cancer Support Group will meet on March 17 at 5:30 in the O Dean Martin Prayer Room. This month we welcome Mirabai Cardullo who will talking with us about "Tapping Into Your Inner Healer." Join us for support and encouragement! For information call Marcey at 331-2960 or Margie at 386-462-9592.
Sports Ministry
Ben Haines
  • campMarch 11 is the Trinity Family Camp-out on campus. We'll provide s'mores and hot chocolate and a fire if you want to cook your own dinner. Continental style breakfast in the Youth Building Saturday morning. Email Ben for more info.
General Announcements
  • The Wednesday Night Dinner menu is Baked Potato Soup, Beef Sliders, Broccoli Salad, Cupcakes, Fish & Chips for Kids. The Kitchen is open from 5:30 - 6:30 pm. Adult meals are $7, children $3, 0-5 eat free.
  • Easter Lily Dedications ($14) are open through March 20.  Envelopes will be available during Sunday services for those who would like to pay by cash or check, or you may pay online hereIf you have any questions, please contact Shannon (416-3005). 
  • On Holy Saturday (March 26) we will be having a special Membership/Baptism Service at 12pm in the Chapel. If you are planning to attend, please arrive at the Chapel by 11:30 am for a brief orientation. The service is entirely devoted to those being baptized and/or joining Trinity. You are welcome to invite family members or friends to be a part of this very special experience. For more information, contact Carmen Nelson (416-3004).
  • Don't forget to let us know if you are coming to the Celebration to honor Rev. Dan and Jan Johnson on the occasion of their retirement! The big celebration will be on June 4 at 11am, and will be followed by a barbecue lunch on the grounds. Visit the website to RSVP.
  • If you are looking to make Trinity your church home, we invite you to attend Coffee with the Pastors. It is 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 is March 13 at 9:40am in 222. Please register online. We would love to meet you and to welcome you into the membership of our church! Childcare is available with a reservation.
  • Don't miss the Gainesville Fine Arts Association Winter Show on display on the 2nd floor of the Education Bldg. It ends March 28 but the walls will be bare only a few days before the annual Trinity Talents Art Show goes up on April 11. However, in order to have a great show we need your talent! The show is open to any member, friend or associate of Trinity. Just pick up an application at the reception desk and bring your art work to Trinity the morning of April 11. The show will open with a reception on April 17. Artwork should be ready to hang or able to fit in the art display case.  Any questions please contact Grace TeSelle.
  • If you need to make arrangements for assistance or special accommodations during Sunday services, please contact Shannon at 416-3005, Monday - Thursday.
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
  • ALERT, first Friday of the month, 10:30 am, Worship Center
  • Dan Johnson's Daily Scripture Email (DSE) is available upon request

For more information, please contact Kim  

Family Matters

Christian Love & Sympathy is extended to Gerry and Bret Wiechmann and families in the passing of Lois Ann Wiechmann on Febuary 26 and to Marcy Mizell and family in the passing of her husband, Hubert Coleman Mizell on March 3.   
 
Happy Birthday to Jean Covey, who turns 91 today.
Altar Flowers
 
This week's flowers are given in loving memory of Hubert Mizell.

If you would like to place flowers on the Altar in honor or in memory of a loved one please contact Shannon
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Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm | Friday, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm