Trinity United Methodist Church Message for Friday, 31 January 2014

E-Message from Rev. Dan
Friday, January 31 , 2014
Friends,  four things:
1.  Did you catch it in yesterday's sports section; 4C, narrow column: Five Questions with Michael Frazier II.  I've always liked Michael Frazier, now I know two of the reasons why:  (1) Hard Work and (2) High Morals!  
Hard work - on game day he shoots between 350 and 400 shots. Wow!  So when those 3's start falling, it's not luck or a hot streak; it's, well, "a long obedience in the same direction"!  Hard Work.  
High Morals - "I grew up in a very strict household... My dad and my mom really brought me up well, gave me really good morals to set my life up.  I'm in college and I still live by those morals today."  I think I'm going to become Michael's biggest fan!
2.  Congratulations, Rev. Aaron!  After lots of writing, reflecting, study and hard work, Aaron met with the Board of Ordained Ministry on Wednesday and passed with flying colors.  He's now moved on to the next stage in the fairly arduous journey of becoming a "full elder" in the United Methodist Church.  Congratulations, Rev. Aaron.
3.  Trinity is taking a strong stand against human trafficking, and is holding a special event called, "Don't Stop Praying, A Candlelight Vigil to End Human Trafficking" on Saturday, February 1,National FreedomDay, at 6:00 pm. This event is sponsored by Alachua County Coalition Against Human Trafficking (ACCAHT), Trinity United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women.
The event will begin with a prayer vigil by Reverend Esther Rodriguez, music by Mike Jeter, a display of human trafficking art sculptures from local artist and Trinity member,  Jenn Garrett and a lighting display from Liz Reynolds.  Service will begin at 6:00pm in the chapel and will later transition to the front of the worship center.
"We are hosting this event to share one survivor's request to never stop - never stop praying for justice and never stop providing help to survivors," said Megan Murphy-Menezes, President of ACCAHT.
February 1 is National Freedom Day. This day honors Abraham Lincoln's signing of the 13th amendment which outlawed slavery. However, there are more people held in slavery today than ever in history. On February 1, 2014 come and pray for freedom!
4.  Reminder:  Sonlight will be selling "Soup for Souperbowl Sunday" this Sunday between services - help Sonlight go on their tour to NYC this June!
Love and Prayers, Dan (400 shots!  Amazing!)
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