Trinity United Methodist Church “Tuesday Word” Tuesday, 26 November 2013

Trinity United Methodist Church “Tuesday Word” Tuesday, 26 November 2013

Dear Friends,

Several of you asked me to include two things from Sunday's worship service:  Here's the first; it's a Prayer Litany for Thanksgiving, based on the 10 Commandments that I wrote; you might want to use it for your dinner prayer on Thanksgiving Day, God bless you and yours.

Gracious and Holy God, we give you thanks that You alone are God.  We are forever grateful that Your Son, Jesus, is the only true image of You, the image of the invisible God (Col. 1:15).

With thanksgiving we seek to hallow your name always.

Thank you, Loving God, for the gift of Sabbath Rest.

For parents, who, though not always perfect, are the source of our life and life's lessons, and we give you thanks.

That my life, and every life is precious and of eternal value and worth, we give you thanks.

That you would trust us with trusting relationships is a sacred responsibility we accept with thanksgiving..

With thanksgiving we receive all that we have as gifts from you.

Thank you, O God, for the gift of society, and the need for honesty and truth in all our dealings.

The act of Thanksgiving is, in itself an expression of contentment in You.

The other item is called an "Indian Benediction."

Now may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God the Father be with you;

and may the Holy Spirit come upon you

and disturb you and trouble you,

and set before you an impossible task

and dare you to do it;

until in your desperation

you fall on your knees

and remain there until he fills you

      with his power

which alone will enable you to do it;

and then...but only then,

may the Lord grant you his peace.

Amen.

"As is fitting for this week of Thanksgiving, we are grateful for everyone who has already turned in a pledge card. So far nearly 350 of you have pledged just over $1.5 million (almost 75% of what we hope to have pledged). Thank you! Every pledge counts; remember, everything done in the name of Christ can have a HUGE impact. So, if you have not yet made a pledge, please do so, either online or pick up a pledge card this Sunday at Church.  Also, be sure to pick up a coffee mug in the Worship Center as a token of our gratitude."

Quick Links

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Week-end Worship

 Sunday Service

Worship Center

8:15, 9:40 & 11:00 

 Dr. Dan Johnson  

Youth Building

Modern Worship Service

11:00

Rev. Esther Rodriguez

UPCOMING EVENTS

11/27 - Church closes at noon for Thanksgiving Holiday

11/28-11/29 - Church closed for Thanksgiving Holdiay

12/1 - Modern Worship Service, 11am, Youth Bldg.

12/4 - Advent Festival, 5:30

12/6 - Parent's Night Out, 5:30

12/8 - Coffee With The Pastors, 12:15, room 222 

12/8 - Order of St. Luke Healing Service, Chapel, 9:40

12/18 - Live Nativity, 5:30

12/18 - "Appalachian Winter" Christmas Cantata

12/29 - "Sit Together Sunday", 9:40 (One service only)

Church Hours

The Church will be closed Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday, The Trinity Staff wishes you a very blessed Thanksgiving Holiday.

Normal Hours:

Monday - Thursday

8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Friday

8:30 am - 1:00 pm

Missions

Ted Grueser

Mission Box - This Sunday begins the season of Advent, our time to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the wonder of His love for us.  We want to share this love with the promise of the new FUMCH Madison Youth Ranch, a place of love and safety for children who are desperately in need of both.  We continue to support the building of this special ministry that exemplifies the Wonder of His love.

We hope this finds you readying yourself for Thanksgiving with family and friends.  Because of your participation, more than 1100 families in our area will also have a complete Thanksgiving meal.  Everyone didn't get a chance to see the smiles of families walking out with their basket and turkey or feel the hug of the social workers that picked up meals for their referred families but please know this program is a blessing felt by our neighbors.  Thank you for being a part of this wonderful program and Happy Thanksgiving.

Membership

Carmen Nelson

 Are you interested in joining Trinity UMC? 

If you are looking for a church home and want to learn more about the vision, mission and ministries of Trinity United Methodist Church, we invite you to attend one of our upcoming 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.

Those who are ready to join have a chance to do so on Sunday, December 22 at all three services.  The next Coffee with the Pastors is December 8, from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m. in the Room 222. To register for Coffee with the Pastors click on this link or e-mail Carmen Nelson to receive the form via e-mail. We would love to meet you and to welcome you into the membership of our church!

Those who are ready to join have a chance to do so on Sunday, December 22 at all three services.

Adult Ministries

David Leonard

Coffee Talk has a new time!  They will begin meeting at NOON starting this Sunday December 1 in room 224.  New participants are always welcome!

Parents of Youth will take a break during the Advent and Christmas Season and will resume in January.

Pathfinders will be doing a 5-session study called Embracing a Life of Meaning by Kathleen Norris.  If you would like to order a participants' guide, contact Kim.  The cost is $12.

For more information on our Adult Sunday School Classes click Here.

The Trinity Bookstore will be closed Wednesday through Friday.  We will be back open Sunday, December 1 (9 - 12:30).  We have several Fair Trade gift items and a wide variety of Christian books available for purchase.  If you are looking for a specific book that we don't currently carry, we also accept book orders upon request.

Alpha's The Marriage Course coming again in January 2014.  More information soon on Course Registration and Volunteer Opportunities.  Call  facilitators Sharon & Earl McDow at 371-4092.

Sports Ministry

Ben Haines

 Zumba class !  9-9:45 in room 228/229.  Come join the fun and be ready to move!

Senior (55+) Slo-Pitch softball happens every Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:30  on the softball fields. Open to anyone who is interested.

Youth Ministry

Julie Mishoe

This Sunday - Christmas Caroling and S'Mores - We will head to the Atrium to spread some Christmas Joy, and then we will enjoy a campfire, s'mores, hot chocolate, and even more Christmas Spirit.  This is a big event night, so we go until 8:30, and the cost is $8.  Parents, if you would like to help drive, please email

Coming Soon - Parent's Meeting -  Our last Parent's Meeting of the year is next Sunday, December 8th, at 4:30.  We will give out spring calendars, talk about spring retreats, and more!

Family Christmas Dinner - RSVP Now!  On Sunday, December 18, we will have our annual Family Christmas Dinner in the Worship Center.  An RSVP is not required, but appreciated so we know how much food to prepare.  If you know you're coming, let us know by sending an email .  The cost is $8 per person with a family cap of $25

Children's Ministries

Elizabeth Jones

 "Experiencing the Wonder" Advent Festival on Wednesday, December 4 from 5:30-7:15.  Join us for a special evening of dinner, crafts, caroling, Chrismons and cookies!  Stop by our office, room 108, OR register on line to purchase your dinner tickets. Deadline for tickets is Sunday, December 1.  Costs: 0-5-Free; Children: $3; Adults: $5; Family Cap: $16. 

Mark your calendar for our December events.  Visit here for more information.

Sunday, December 1 -  All items are due for our Children's Ministries Holiday Mission Project    Visit here for grade level requests. 

Monday, December 2 -    All Guardian ad Litem gifts due

Wednesday, December 4 -  5:30-7:15   "Experiencing the Wonder" Advent Festival. 

Friday, December 6 -  5:30-8:30  Parents Night Out  Visit here for more information.  Deadline to register is December 4.

Monday, December 9 -  9:15 Guardian ad Litem gifts delivered.  Contact Christina if you can help drive.

Wednesday, December 18 -  5:30-7:00  Live Nativity  

Wednesday, December 24 -  5:00 Children's Christmas Eve Service

Sunday, December 29 - 9:40 Service only; Sit Together Sunday

General Announcements

It's almost time to "Deck the Halls" at Trinity! If you would like to assist with decorating the worship center for Christmas, please come on Monday, December 2, from 6:00-8:30pm. We have jobs for all ages, stages, and ability levels. The more the merrier! For more information or to RSVP, contact Susan Kovi.

We are looking for individuals and/or families that would like to assist in leading the lighting of the Advent Candles during each of our Advent services. (December 1, 8, 15, and 22-- all 3 services) If you and/or your family are interested, please contact Alice to let her know your availability.

Thank you Trinity family!  We've sponsored all 125 Guardian ad Litem children for the holidays!  Please return your wrapped gifts to Trinity by Monday, December 2.  We need help transporting the gifts to the Guardian ad Litem office on Monday morning, December 9, at 9:15. Please call Christina, 416-3020, if you can be a driver.

 Join us for our annual Family Advent Festival on Wednesday, December 4 from 5:30-7:15 pm. You can enjoy dinner, crafts, carols, cookies & Chrismons! Please purchase Dinner Tickets in the Children's Ministries Office or online.  Adults tickets are $5,  Children $3 (3 and under free) with a family cap of $16. Please note: Dinner deadline is 12/1.  The dinner will be: Baked Ham, Macaroni & Cheese, Green Beans, Applesauce, Garden Salad, Dinner Rolls, and Sugar Cookies. 

The Order of Saint Luke Healing Service is Sunday, December 8, in the Trinity Chapel, 9:40 - 10: 40+ AM.  The Service includes Praise & Worship Music, a Homily "It's Christmas - God's Gifts of Healing for You", and the OSL Service with Communion.  Please join us for an encouraging message from OSL Member, Sharon McDow, followed by Personal and Intercessory Healing Prayer for All.  This is for YOU!  Please tell others and bring a friend with you.

"Trinity member, Carter Nute, will conduct the AARP Driver Safety Program course in a one day session convenient for Trinity United Methodist Church members in the Education Building on Thursday, December 5. 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."

The Trinity Christmas Party (Sponsored by Alpha) is coming soon.  Come enjoy this Annual Christmas Party with Free Admission!

When:  Sunday, December 15, 4-7pm

Where:  Skate Station Funworks (1311 NW 76th Blvd.)

For Who:  All Trinity Members, Visitors, & Their Friends

Special Request & Surprise:  Please bring your favorite Christmas Cookies to share.  Santa & Mrs. Claus plan a special visit with all Children from 6-7 PM, so bring your cameras to capture these special moments.  A Snack Bar will be available for beverages and additional food items.

Christmas Poinsettias Dedications are due by Wednesday, December 18. Please make out your dedication on one of the envelopes available in the literature racks around the Church and insert $12 (check payable to Trinity United Methodist Church). Place the completed envelope (which will be in the December 1 bulletin) and donation in the offering plate during one of the Church services or bring to the Church Office.

We are trying to put together a group of 15 or more people that are interested in going to the Gaither Homecoming Christmas Concert at the Lakeland Center, Saturday, December 7 at 6 pm. For ticket price and details, contact Jim Cook by tomorrow November 27, rm. E206, call (416-3036) or email.

Mommy Reads - This outreach group of women visits Lowell Correctional Institution for Women in Ocala four times a year to help young mothers read and record books for their children. You, too, can be a part of this amazing ministry! Our next trip will be on Saturday, December 7.  For more information, contact Beth Haines at 352-373-9469 or email.  Brochures are at the Information station in the worship center.  New books at any age level are always needed, and can be donated by dropping them off at the Trinity

reception desk.

Make your plans now to attend Trinity's Christmas Cantata and Dinner "Appalachian Winter" December 18.  Prices:  $10.00  Adults (ages 10 and over), $5.00 children ages 5-9 ages 0-4 eat free but still need a reservation.  Call or email Susan Kovi for reservations. Tickets must be purchased or reservations made in advance for this event.

I am sitting here looking at a pile of brand new BEAUTIFUL musical instruments for our special Super Saturday kids!  One of our incredible volunteers, Melissa Christensen and her remarkable fifth grade daughter Lily just brought them to me.  Lily had a birthday party a week ago and asked her friends to bring musical instruments for our kids instead of presents for her!  You would not believe all of the things that were donated--drums, tambourines, triangles, kazoos, a xylophone, and spoons.  I know the children will have such fun with all of them! They also gave us a cash donation for supplies and a Toys R Us gift card.  I am completely overwhelmed right now.  - Susan McGee

Volunteers January - February 2014:  The Marriage Course - "The Marriage Course" will be starting January 9 - February 27.  Card Tables loaned maybe dropped off January 5-7.  We are also seeking Volunteers for Décor & Set-Up, Serving Dinner & Dessert, and Clean-Up on Thursdays.  Come help our Course Guests have an amazing Date Night.  Course Registration is coming soon . . . Contact Sharon McDow or call: 371-4092.

Walk The Talk Video & Discussion:  This Alpha Next Steps Course continues December 4, 6:30 - 8:15 PM in E-203-204.  For Supper, you are invited to the Banquet Hall that evening for the "Experiencing the Wonder" Advent Festival that starts at 5:30 PM.  Dinner Tickets (Adults $5) may be purchased online  by 12/1.  For more information call Sharon McDow at 371-4092.

 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  or click here.  The cost is $30 per arrangement.  

Volunteer Opportunities

We are in need of volunteers for the Front Reception Desk, please contact Susan Kovi for details.  

If you want to volunteer but don't see anything that interests you, contact Susan Kovi.  Susan can help you help Trinity!    

Communion Stewards are still needed for all three Sunday services - especially the 9:40 and 11:00 services.  No experience is needed.  Volunteers may help as they are available.  No short or long term commitment.  Please contact Pam Goad or Chuck Goad.   

Kitchen Volunteers Needed: The food service ministry needs your help. Please contact Franny or call 416-3027 if you are available to give a hand. 

Weekly Bible Studies

-Tuesday Morning Moms, Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30, E203

-Women Growing in Faith, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30, E232

- Men's Prayer and Bible Study, Wednesdays, 7:00 am, E232

- Wednesday Morning Pastor's Bible Study, Wednesdays at

9:15 am, Chapel

- Exploring Jesus' Teachings Bible Study, Thursdays at 10:30am, E232

- Dan Johnson's Daily Scripture Email is available upon request.  

Trinity Members in the News

Three Alachua County Public School students were honored for their research at National FFA Convention and Expo, held recently in Louisville, Kentucky.  One of which was Tim Myers,  a Trinity Youth who is currently an 8th-grader at High Springs, who placed 9th nationally in the Animal Systems category with his 'Bee Careful' project, in which he tested various natural elements for their bee repellent qualities. Tim, who competed against 9th-graders in the national level, was the highest placing middle school student in the nation in his category. Congratulations Tim!

We would love for you to share any news involving our Trinity family.  Please contact Tammy or call 416-3005.

Family Matters

If you are celebrating your 80th, 90th, 90th plus birthday and would like it announced in the Tuesday Word and/or the bulletin, contact Tammy Karafa.  

Death Notice Christian Love & Sympathy is extended to Charles Thomason and family on the November 24 passing of his wife Beryl.  A memorial service will be held this Friday afternoon, November 29 at 2 pm in the Trinity Chapel.

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Trinity United Methodist Church

4000 NW 53rd Avenue

Gainesville, FL 32653 United States

(352)376-6615

TrinityGNV.org

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