Rev. Marisa Gertz

Pastor of Care and Discipleship

Hey, there! My name is Marisa, and I am blessed to serve as the Pastor of Care and Discipleship with Trinity. I moved to Gainesville with my two sons, Christian and Ansel, in the summer of 2022. Gainesville has truly become home to us. On the weekends, you could easily find me chasing my kids on a playground, doing anything outdoors, or curled up on the couch reading a good book.

For me, ministry is all about meeting people where they are and connecting them to a God of overwhelming love. I believe that when we rest in that love, there is nothing that is impossible. In Christ’s love, we are invited to become the very best of ourselves for the sake of the world.

Three words your best friend would use to describe you?
Empowering, compassionate, energetic

Something surprising that not many people know about you?
I love to country line dance. It’s a whole lot of fun!

Favorite Sports Team(s)?
Florida Gators, Washington Nationals, Tampa Bay Lightning

One thing you can’t live without?
Coffee… it makes my world a better place.

Life Verse(s)?
Ephesians 3:16-19 – “I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.   I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

How about the official stuff?
I am a graduate of Duke University (M.Div.) and the University of North Florida (B.A. in Psychology). I was ordained as an Elder in Full Connection in the United Methodist Church in June 2024.