Announcements
Sunday
Lenten Series: "Becoming Empty"
Title: "Coming to Our Senses"
Scripture: Luke 15:11-24
By: Rev. Marisa Gertz
During the season of Lent we are invited to empty ourselves of the things that keep us from fully experiencing the good news of Jesus Christ. As we are Becoming Empty, what might it look like to fill those empty spaces in our hearts, minds, and lives with practices that would allow us to flourish in our love for God and for our neighbors? Join us on Sunday mornings throughout Lent as we become empty, together!
Worship with us in-person on Sundays at 8:00 AM Traditional, Chapel / 9:30 AM Modern, Worship Center & 11:00 AM Traditional, Worship Center / or worship with us online.
Growing Together During Lent
This year during Lent, you're invited to join others across the congregation in reading and reflecting on Scripture each day. We'll be using a resource entitled The Sanctuary for Lent, created by Rev. Justin LaRosa, a clergy member of the Florida Conference of the UMC. Each morning, you'll receive an email with the material for that day. Small groups and Sunday School classes are welcome to use this material to help guide conversations during Lent. If you would like to purchase a printed copy of the resource for yourself or a group, contact Margaret Myers. If you do not already receive weekly email communications from Trinity, go here to subscribe, put in your email address, first, last names, click the "weekly emails" box and then click sign up!
Save the Date | Saturday, April 26
A Northwest District Event: Saturday, April 26, 10 AM-3 PM. Join us for a special day at Trinity with Rev. Dr. Paul Chilcote, Wesleyan scholar and author of numerous books and devotional materials. Meet other United Methodists from around the northwest district at this event hosted by our District Superintendent, Rev. Catherine Fluck Price. Dr. Chilcote's theme for the day will be "The Fullest Possible Love." Cost to attend is $10 and includes lunch. Childcare is available and can be requested through the event registration form below.
Missions
This week's Mission Focus is on UMCOR. Gifts given on UMCOR Sunday play a vital role in enhancing the church's global humanitarian response because they cover administrative costs and ensure that 100% of donations given to UMCOR can be directed toward on-the ground relief and recovery efforts. This allows them to effectively respond to crises and provide assistance where it's needed most. To watch a brief message from Bishop Tom Berlin about UMCOR Sunday, go here.
The March blue bin donations support Helping Hands Clinic. They are requesting donations of the following: toilet paper, paper towels, aspirin, acetaminophen, blankets, hydrocortisone cream, razors, and feminine hygiene products. Please place these items in the blue bins in the Narthex or Education Building Lobby.
Wednesday
Wednesday Night Dinners
Come join us for some good food, fun, and fellowship. The dinner serving line opens at 5:00 PM in the Worship Center and closes at 6:00 PM. You can stay until a Small Group/Class begins at 6:30 PM in the Education Building or when Worship begins at 6:35 PM in the Chapel. The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children (ages 5-12 years old). The menu for March 26th includes chicken teriyaki with sides, soup, salad, dessert, and beverages.
The deadline for registering is at midnight on Tuesday the day before the meal.
Wednesday Worship
Title: “To Live, Die, and Be Remembered”
Scripture: Judges 11:29-40
By: Rev. Anna Swygert
Join us on Wednesday night as we welcome Rev. Anna Swygert. Anna is a Deacon in the United Methodist Church serving as the Assistant Director of Streetlight, a non-profit organization at UF Shands that strives to support adolescents and young adults living with chronic illnesses. She is also the Director of Community Engagement at Gator Wesley. We are bound to hear a powerful witness of God’s love and grace through her experience of ministry.
Worship with us in-person on Wednesdays at 6:35 PM in the Chapel and/or listen to the recording of the service/message posted usually the next day online here, when available.
Spring Community Yard Sale | March 29
Support Youth Retreats and Mission Trips, find new treasures, or de-clutter your home... it's a win-win! Our Spring Community Yard Sale is happening this Saturday, March 29 from 8:00 AM - Noon in the Worship Center parking lot. If you're interested in selling, please contact Rebekah Saveland to be added to the waiting list!
Easter Lily Dedications
The Easter Lilies that will beautify our Worship Center on Easter Sunday morning are now available for purchase and dedication! To order, click on the link below to fill out the form. The cost is $20 per plant. You may pick up your dedicated Easter lily(s) after the 11:00 am Easter Sunday service.
Adult Classes
Contemplative Watercolor Meet-Up
Where & When: Room 228/229, Wed 3/26, 4/23, & 5/21, 6:30-8:30 PM (3 individual sessions).
Description: Bring your own watercolor supplies and your own ideas or project. Enjoy relaxed conversation with other new or seasoned artists as you begin your work, then we'll move into a quieter meditative painting space while the soft music plays in the background. No cost. Attendees should bring their own paints, brushes, paper, water containers, paper towels, and any other desired supplies. Ages 16 and up. Facilitator: Melody Lozano. Register here!
Centering Prayer
Where & When: Prayer Room, Tues 4/1 – 4/8, 6:30-7:30 pm (2 week course)
Description: This form of Christian meditation was developed and popularized by three Trappist monks in the 1970's. The monks refined the methodology of the meditation from the book called the "Cloud of the Unknowing" written by a 14th century anonymous monk. Centering Prayer is a spiritual practice that relies on the intention of being present to and with God in the present moment. Come and learn the methodology that can foster a deeper sense of spiritual connection and inner peace. Facilitator: Jim Nilon. Register here!
Adult Small Groups
A.L.E.R.T Luncheon: Join us on April 3rd from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the worship center for our "Looking Back" program. Luncheon participants will have the opportunity to learn about how ALERT began and be able to reminisce as they page through the many scrapbooks created and curated over the years. The menu will be chicken alfredo with buttered broccoli, dinner roll, green salad, soup, and dessert. To make a lunch reservation, please call the church at 352-376-6615.
Home Free friends (for folks in the 50-60ish age range) - Experience the powerful story of Ragtime at the Gainesville Community Playhouse! Join us on Saturday, April 12th at 8:00 PM for an unforgettable evening of sweeping melodies, vibrant characters, and compelling storytelling. Set at the turn of the 20th century, this Tony Award-winning musical weaves together tales of hope, struggle, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Register here to let us know you are coming and to get information for ticket purchase.
Labyrinth Dedication | Apr 13 @ 3 PM
Please join us as we dedicate our newly installed labyrinth. The labyrinth is open to all in our community, and offers a beautiful space for contemplation and prayer.
Our newly installed labyrinth is being featured on Channel 20 today, Wednesday, March 26th! Kristen Chase came out to interview Jim Cook, a member of our labyrinth team, and Pastor Marisa about the labyrinth and its upcoming dedication.
Check out the story here: https://www.wcjb.com/2025/03/26/gainesville-church-creates-labyrinth-prayer-meditation/
If you'd like to watch the interview, you can find it at minute marker 7:20 on today's "News at Noon": https://www.wcjb.com/livestream/. It will also likely air again early this evening!
Stepping Stones Preschool
2025 enrollment is now open to the public. Student enrollment is secure when enrollment paperwork is complete and registration fee is paid. Email the school for enrollment paperwork and additional information.
Join Team Trinity!
Our Facilities Team is hiring! We're looking for a Building and Grounds Coordinator, which is responsible for the general maintenance and repairs for all church facilities including buildings, grounds and equipment, and partnering with outside vendors and servant volunteers when necessary. Click here for more information!