Last week, Dan wrote a great reflection in his Tuesday Word called "The Lesson of the Trees." While he and Jan are away (Happy Birthday, Jan!), he's asked me and Esther to write the Tuesday Word and continue with our reflections on worship.
A definition for worship of which I am quite fond comes from Louie Giglio: "Worship is our response, both personal and corporate, to God - for who He is! And what He has done! Expressed in and by the things we say and the way we live." Indeed, God calls us to worship him with our everyday, ordinary lives. All that we are and all that we do from Monday to Saturday should be expressions of worship to God, who is the great giver of all that is good in our lives. Then, on Sunday, we are called to gather with our friends to celebrate and give thanks to God for what He has done, to pray and seek God's will in what He is doing, and to share in the hope of what God has promised to do.
If worship is what we do in response to God, than worship style is how we do it. As I am sure you are all aware, there are many worship styles on display in churches around the world every Sunday morning. You might also aware that our strategic plan calls for us to: 1) Ensure that the worship experience at Trinity meets the needs of the congregation and contributes to our spiritual growth. And, 2) Offer new or redesigned worship experiences that particularly appeal to a diverse mix of younger generations. The worship planning team, after receiving your feedback in last year's worship survey and learning from the Modern Worship experience, has been prayerfully discerning God's leading and our next steps for redesigning all of Trinity's worship experiences. Worship styles are many, as are people's preferences and opinions, so this is an exciting but challenging task.
We are very sensitive to the idea that our worship of God must express who Trinity is as a community of faith so that our worship will be honest, sincere, and authentic in its expression. This means, in part, that as we move forward into new territory we must also honor where Trinity has been. Please know our foremost objective is to create worship experiences where God is glorified and the people of God are edified by having gathered together in God's presence. Ultimately, our worship must lead all who gather at Trinity into an encounter with the living God through Jesus Christ, whether they are long-time members or with us for the very first time. Please join us in prayer as we do this work you have entrusted to our care.
On another note, join us this Sunday at 9am in the Worship Center, before worship begins at 9:40am, to celebrate National Ice Cream Day! Bring cookies to share and the Pathfinder's Class will be helping serve up the ice cream. It will be a fun and delicious way to gather and mingle. See you then!
Grace and peace,
Aaron
Sermons may be accessed by clicking here.
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Week-end Worship
Sunday Service
Worship Center
9:40
Rev. David Leonard
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Please Note: There will only be one service during the month of July at 9:40. Also, now that summer is here please feel free to come dressed casually.
Upcoming Events
Now - 8/1 Summer Time Fun & CrossTrainers
7/16 - 6:35 in the Chapel, Rev. Esther preaching, "The Son's Photograph," John 14:6-7.
7/17 - Healing Touch Cancer Support Group, 5:30, O. Dean Martin Prayer Room (Atrium)
7/18 - Alachua County Coalition Against Human Trafficking, 11 am
7/18 - Friday Night Praise Service, 7 pm, Chapel
7/19 - Super Saturdays for Special Kids, 1 pm, rm. 228/229
7/31 - AARP Class, 9 am, rm. 222
Church Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Please Note:
The church will be closed on each of the remaining Fridays in the month of July.
Associate Pastors
Rev. Esther Rodriguez
Rev. Aaron Rousseau
A Word from Rev. Esther: After some time of rest and renewal with my family in Puerto Rico, I'm excited to be back in Gainesville! I am moving today but looking forward to making it back into the office to catch up on e-mails and all that has been happening around Trinity over the past few weeks. I hope to see you at the 6:35 service tomorrow night, as I continue our series on Unity with a sermon titled "The Son's Photograph," John 14:6-7.
Please click here to visit Rev. Esther's blog.
Please click here to visit Rev. Aaron's blog.
Membership
Carmen Nelson
The next Coffee with the Pastors is Sunday, August 3, at 12:15 in rm 222. To register for Coffee with the Pastors and Childcare 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!
Missions
Ted Grueser
This week's Mission Box is SWAG. SWAG is a grassroots
Hey Check It Out! In the Hallway between the Education Building and the Worship Center new photos have been posted of the last five mission trips that Trinity has participated in! Look and see if there is anyone you know and find out how you can get yourself involved in Missions!
Important Date Change! The Family Mission Trip that was planned for July 31-August 3 has been rescheduled for October 24-26 due to some unforeseen circumstances. This will be a great time if you are looking for something to do with your family this fall that will allow you to make a difference in someone's life. For more information please contact Ted Grueser in the Missions Department.
Youth Ministry
Julie Mishoe
Additionally, save the date for the Church-wide Missions Potluck
on July 27! Please bring a dish to share as we celebrate our missions' teams returning home and hear testimonials about their awesome experiences. The potluck is at 12 PM in the Worship Center.
Children's Ministries
Elizabeth Jones
FALL OPPORTUNITIES: Are you interested in making a difference in the life of a child? Come and be a part of our Children's Programs! We are looking for Sunday School teachers and youth helpers for all age groups who can commit to at least one Sunday a month.
General Announcements
A Note From Rev. Dan:
Rosemary Davis and Pat Kilby are the two best parish visitors on
Healing Touch Cancer Support Group will meet on Thursday, July 17 at 5:30 in the O.Dean Martin Prayer Room off the Atrium. Margie Stark will be showing a DVD entitled: Indescribable: The Awe Inspiring Mysteries of God's Creation by Lou Giglio.
Cancer patients, survivors, friends and family will enjoy this lovely film. For information call Margie at 386-462-9592.
Are you a mother of school-age kids? Then MOMSnext is the place for YOU! As moms enter the school years, new challenges and issues arise, but the need for community and hope remains. MOMSnext is for any mom of school-age kids, in any life situation, who is looking to experience authentic community, personal growth, and practical help. Join us for coffee, snacks, and fellowship as we traverse the years of homework, internet safety and driving! MOMSnext meets the 1st and 3rd Thursdays (end of August-April) from 9-11:30am. Registration for fall is taking place NOW! Click here to register or email us here for more information.
Trinity member, Reeves Byrd, will teach the AARP Smart Driver
"Let me care for you". Those words can bring a sigh of relief to people going through difficult times in life. A Stephen Minister is willing and able to care for you by listening and being there while you work through this tough time. If this is the kind of care for you, call Kay Walker at 336-2006 or Tom Sklens at 384-1807 for more information.
Volunteer Opportunities
•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.
Weekly Bible Studies
-Women Growing in Faith, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30, E232
-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
-Dan Johnson's Daily Scripture Email is available upon request. Trinity Members in the News
We would love for you to share any news involving our Trinity family. Please contact Tammy or call 416-3005.
Family Matters
Special Birthday Greetings are extended to Ethel Cooper 7/15
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.
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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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