 Dear Friends,
Oh my! The Trinity Choirs Christmas Concert this past Sunday was so outstanding and inspiring!! If you were there you will likely want to hear it again. If you missed it on Sunday, you will definitely want to come out tomorrow night (Wednesday), as the very talented vocal ensemble from PK Yonge will be joining our choirs. There is plenty of room for the Concert at 7:30 but the pre-concert dinner is sold out. And you have time to attend the 6:35 Chapel Service, too!
Be sure to come early to see the Live Nativity (5:30 - 7:00) in front of the Worship Center, under the big Trinity Tree. Our children love doing this, and it imprints on their souls the true story of Christmas forever. Your support means a lot to them, too.
I'm deeply aware of some key financial needs among our own congregation as well as in our community, so I'm especially grateful that, once again, we will be giving away our entire Christmas Eve offering to these three areas:
(1) Local - needs right here at home, within Trinity and within our community
(2) Global - Haiti; Trinity has several partnerships with ministries in Haiti that need our help
(3) Theological - while we can't go into all the world ourselves as Jesus commanded, we can support those who do, and supporting future pastors in theological seminaries (in Moscow and Nigeria) is a very effective way of doing this
As an act of faith a few years ago we made this decision to "give away our entire Christmas Eve offering" even though then (as now) we weren't sure if we would end the year in the black with our own ministry/operation budget. But each year this step of faith has led to generous donations on Christmas Eve (around $20,000) and a generous outpouring that allowed us to end each year in the black. God is good; all the time! And all the time, God is good!
This is such an important time to invite others to worship at Trinity. Please use your social media to get the word out about all of our Christmas Eve services, we have Twitter and Facebook posts on our pages you can share with others. Probably somewhere along the way someone invited you; it's how it works and it makes all the difference!
Men of Trinity - remember to mark your calendars for Saturday morning, January 31 - our Trinity Men's Retreat. It's going to be great!
Love and prayers, Dan |
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Worship This Week
Sunday: Rev. Esther Rodríguez
Wednesday: Rev. Esther Rodríguez
Friday: Rev. Cliff Patrick | 17 | Live Nativity, 5:30 - 7:30
17 | Trinity Family Christmas Dinner, 5:30 pm (sold out)
17 | Adult Choir Christmas Concert, 7:30 pm (no ticket required)
20 | Sonlight's Pancake Breakfast and Carwash, 8-10:30am, Beef O'Brady's on 43rd St.
21 | Longest Night Service, 7pm, Chapel
22 - 28 | Bookstore Closed
24 | 12:00 pm, Trinity Offices Closed
24 | Christmas Eve Services: 3, 5, 7, 9, 11
25-26 | Trinity Offices Closed
28 | 1 service, 9:40 am. No children's Sunday school |
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 A Word from Rev. Esther
Advent greetings -- I hope you are taking time this season to prepare a space for Christmas. For me, even though it's one of the busiest times of year, Advent is a time of renewed spirit. I hope you are able to participate in some of the things going on around Trinity and that your spirit may also be renewed. This Wednesday in particular you will have many opportunities to celebrate and be blessed. One of those ways is through the 6:35 service in the chapel where we'll be having our '6:35 Christmas service.' Rev. Aaron will be leading the music and I will give a homily. Coffee Talk for young adults meets afterwards. This Sundaythere will be another special service in the chapel at 7 p.m. -- the Longest Night service. This service acknowledges the fact that for many people life, particularly this time of year, is not entirely joyful and fun. There is a lot of pain, and this service is there to honor that experience. Blessings to you!
A Word from Rev. Aaron
Rev. Aaron's blog Friends, I remain in prayer for us all as we continue to journey through Advent...this week in particular includes so much for us to experience together.
While it may not have the cuteness of the Children's Live Nativity or the "wow" of Handel's Messiah, one thing I hope you will participate in this week is Sonlight's Pancake Breakfast and Carwash at Beef O'Bradys on 43rd Street this Saturday from 8 to 10:30. Eat breakfast while your car gets washed for just $8 per person! We appreciate your support in helping the choir raise funds for their summer tour.
No matter where you are this week, may Advent blessings be with you and yours. O come, o come Emmanuel! |
Music & Worship Arts
- Plan to join us for our annual Adult Choir Christmas Concert on Wednesday, December 17, at 7:30--no ticket required!
- The new Sonlight Director Position Description is located on our website. This position will require a very special person, so please (a) pray with us for this person and (b) feel free to share with anyone you think might be interested. We are receiving applications through Dec. 31.
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Missions
- Can Christmas still change the world? The Christmas story is a story of love, hope, redemption and relationship. So, what happened? How did it turn into stuff, stress and debt? Somehow, we've traded the best story in the world for the story of what's on sale. Throughout Advent, our Mission Boxes will focus on Advent Conspiracy, a global movement of people and churches letting their light shine this Christmas by Worshiping Fully, Spending Less, Giving More and Loving All. This week's Mission Box will go towards Appalachia Service Project (ASP) and the building of a new home. This house will be worked on by both our Spring ASP Mission Trip Team and our summer Youth team in 2015.
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Faith Mission
There are five things to highlight this week on the Trinity and Mt. Pleasant Faith Mission collaboration -
- The Leadership Team will have its first meeting tonight (Tuesday)! Janise McNair, Debbie Herring, Johnnie Dennard and myself from Trinity and Elaine Franklin, Rory Jones, and Mickey Rawls from Mt. Pleasant will plan the first outreach steps for neighborhood relationship building.
- Prayer will be as foundational to Faith Mission as it is to our lives. Rev. Esther has graciously agreed to guide the Faith Mission Prayer Partner team. More coming on this soon.
- Renovations are continuing. Exterior painting of the main building is complete with roofing and interior cleaning/sealing on tap this week. Replacement doors are in and will be installed soon. Many thanks to Ted for all his work on getting these things organized.
- The Kids Count after school program needs more volunteers who can serve one hour per week on things like homework help, helping with activities, and simply being around to encourage the children. The program at Faith Mission is offered afternoons on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Could you help starting in January?
- Interested in Faith Mission? Still working on your Christmas gift ideas? There are some wonderful books that get to both the heart and the work of what is Faith Mission - Ministries of Mercy (Keller), A New Kind of Big (Sweney), and Sharing God's Heart with the Poor (a devotional series by Sherman) are a few great examples.
Thank you to those folks who've already responded with their interest in serving. If you are interested in participating in Faith Mission in any way - as a part of the Support Team, as a Prayer Partner, or volunteering with Kids Count - please email Ward Simonton. |
Youth
- Youth will be serving hot chocolate at the Live Nativity scene tomorrow. Come on out to support our youth as they help out at this fun event!
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Children's Ministry
Elizabeth JonesJoin us for the Live Nativity THIS Wednesday, December 17th . Drop by anytime between 5:30-7:30 pm to sip hot cocoa and view the live nativity. It will be an evening you will not want to miss!Join us for the Children's Christmas Eve Service on Tuesday, December 24th at 5:00pm. This special service, led by children, is for children of all ages--young and old. (Childcare will not be provided.) Children, come dressed in your favorite character or animal from the nativity scene. Don't forget to bring a bell to ring.
Mark your calendar for these upcoming events and find more information on the Children's Ministry webpage:
- December 17: Live Nativity, 5:30-7:30
- December 24: Children's Christmas Eve Service, 5:00 pm
- December 28: One Family Friendly Service (No Sunday School nor Childcare), 9:40 am
- January 9 | Parent's Night Out, 5:30 - 8:30
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Sports
- Upward basketball sign-up forms are in! They can be found at the front desk or online. Evaluation will be at Trinity on January 11th, 18th, and February 1st between 2:00 and 4:00 PM.
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Are you looking to join a Sunday School class in the New Year? Many of our groups will be starting new studies on Sunday, January 4. Click here for a complete listing of all of our adult groups or contact Kim at 416-3074.
- Misty Mornings Sunday School class (9:40 am; rm E207) will begin reading the book The Way to Heaven by Steve Harper; January 4. Books are available at the Trinity Bookstore for $10.
- Family Business Sunday School class (11 am; rm E203) will begin reading the book Who is this Man? by John Ortberg;January 4. Books are available at the Trinity Bookstore for $13.
- Blooming: A course in Self-Cultivation begins Sunday, January 4 (11 am; rm E224). This is a 12 week study focusing on what makes each person genuinely experience contentment, appreciation of who they are right now, and the many gifts they possess. For more information contact Larkin Kieffer.
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- Caregiver Support Group: Meet every Monday from 7 pm-8:30pm (E225). Contact: Mary Steinwandt or call 214-662-4869.
- Are you experiencing the holiday blues? The joy of the holidays can turn into a time of painful loneliness and emptiness for those who have suffered a loss or who are going through a difficult time. Our Stephen Ministers are ready to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care. They will listen, care, encourage, pray with and for you, and support you through the holidays and as long as you need. If you or someone you know is hurting, call Kay Walker at 336-2006 or Tom Sklens at 384-1807.
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General Announcements
- The Trinity Bookstore be closed from December 22nd - 28th. If you would like to visit the Bookstore on a different day, please feel free to contact Kim to schedule a time.
- Join us for the Live Nativity on Wednesday, December 17th from 5:30-7:30 pm. Invite your friends and neighbors to gather around the big oak tree, sip hot cocoa and view the live nativity. It will be an evening you will not want to miss!
- Check out the art display case on the 2nd floor of the Education Building to see Jeff Tennants' collection of Nativity Sets, a dozen sets from around the community and around the world. Jeff and Jack Brown have also created a new outdoor nativity scene (and a record amount of sawdust) that will debut on December 15th! While on the 2nd floor don't forget the current art show, Trinity's Photo Journey, on display until the end of the year.
- Trinity member, Carter Nute, will teach the AARP Smart Driver Course in a one day session in E222 on January 5th. This classroom refresher for motorists age 50 and older is offered for a modest fee and you do not have to be an AARP member to register for the class. For course registration call Mrs. Lynda LeGrow at (352) 333-3036
- Sunday Morning Altar Flowers - If you wish to reserve the Worship Center altar flowers in honor or memory of someone or to the Glory of God, please contact Tammy.
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Bible Studies
- Women Growing in Faith, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30, E232
- Tuesday Morning Moms, Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30, E203
- Bible Study with Rev. Cliff Patrick, Tuesdays 7 pm, E207
- 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
- Life Changing Gathering with Rev. Marvin Celso, Sundays, 3:30 - 5:00 pm, E225
- Weekly Prayer Group, Thursdays, 7pm, Chapel
- Dan Johnson's Daily Scripture Email is available upon request
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Family Matters
Christian love and sympathy is extended to Freddie and Ronnie Johnson in the November 22nd passing of Freddie's brother, Danny Johnson in Jennings, Florida.
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. |
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Trinity United Methodist Church
4000 NW 53rd Ave | Gainesville, FL 32653
352.376.6615
TrinityGNV.org
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm | Friday, 8:30 am - 1:30 pm
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