Jesus began one of his most familiar parables with "A farmer went out to scatter seed." He frequently used images and illustrations from everyday life to teach his followers about what it means to grow as disciples, as well as some of the struggles and difficulties we encounter along the way. This year during the season of Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter, we'll listen to some of these gospel episodes again; we'll be challenged and encouraged to develop the practices that help us experience God's marvelous love and grow deep roots as disciples of Christ. 

 

This week's sermon will be "It Starts with Your Core," ( Luke 6:43-45) by Rev. Steve Price. 

Catherine has invited everyone to join her for a time of prayer in the Chapel every Tuesday from now through Easter from 5 - 6pm.  It will be a time to sit together in silent prayer listening for God's direction and praying for our church. During that hour, you are welcome to come and go as you need to and to come any week you are able.

Each Sunday throughout north central Florida, an average of 15,145 Methodists gather for the worship of God. Imagine what God could do if those same 15,145 Methodists took the opportunity over the course of a week to very purposefully pray for, observe, and engage with their communities. From Saturday, March 17, through Saturday, March 24, Trinity will be joining an effort to do just that. Pledge your participation here to pray, observe, and engage our Gainesville community.

T his week's Mission Box supports Called to Action.  Their mission is to provide our local and global community with opportunities and resources to compassionately support, empower, and transform disadvantaged families and individuals in meeting their basic needs.  Many at Trinity have had the opportunity to experience firsthand some of the projects Called to Action focus on, including meal packaging events, building and repairing homes, and serving hot meals to people in need.  (text-to-give keyword: action)  

Wednesday Night Dinners 

Join us for food, fun & fellowship! The menu for March 7 is southern style ham, three cheese macaroni and cheese, steamed broccoli and carrots, biscuits, corn chowder, salad, and pineapple upside down surprise. Dairy and gluten free options are available. The kitchen will be open from 5 - 6:30pm. Adult meals are   $7 , children 6 and up are   $3 , 0-5 eat free with a $ 25 family cap.  

The Case For Christ: A journalist's personal investigation of the evidence of Jesus, by Lee Strobel (a 6 week study) begins on Wednesday, April 4, 6:30 - 8:00pm, room E203.  Led by Tom & Marsha Wallace.  Class materials are $20 and available at the Trinity Bookstore or on the first day of class.  Register now! 

 

A Disciple's Path i s a 7 week class for someone wishing to join Trinity or a refresher course for seasoned church members desiring to take the next step in discipleship. It is a unique and engaging approach to the study of discipleship within the context of the Wesleyan/United Methodist heritage and tradition. The next course will be offered on Wednesdays, from March 7 - April 25, 6:30 - 7:30pm in room E232. Monica and Bill Lindberg will be leading, this class is free for newcomers who are considering membership, $15 for all others. Childcare is available with a reservation. For more information, please contact  Kim Lewerenz (416.3074) or register now!  

We are collecting individually wrapped candy for our Easter Celebration treat bags. Please take your candy donation to the Children's Ministries office, (E108) by March 11.

Would you like your child baptized?  Baptism is one of the two sacraments in the United Methodist Church.  If you are interested in more information please contact Elizabeth Jones (416-3045). The next Baptism Sundays will be on March 18, May 6, and July 15.

Trinity at the Park: On March 22 from 11:30am -12:30pm, join the Children's Ministries staff for a playdate at Possum Creek Park! We will enjoy outdoor activities and a treat. No registration necessary, just show up and bring a friend or two! Parents/care providers are required to be present.

Family Easter Celebration: Everyone is welcome!  For those worshiping at 9:40am, children may attend Sunday School. Following 9:40am worship and Sunday School, families will enjoy refreshments, singing under the oaks and our family egg hunt. For those worshiping at 11am, children will join their parents in worship for a Family Easter Service followed by an egg hunt at the chapel. There will be no Children's Sunday School at 11am; childcare will be provided for Pre-K and younger.  Don't forget your Easter basket!

The Trinity United Methodist Church Foundation is announcing the Jim and Linda Cook Spiritual Formation Fund under the Planned Giving Education and Scholarship Fund. The fund is available to support Trinity members seeking to enhance their spiritual formation development through educational offerings such as the Florida Methodist Conference 5-Day Academy or other study opportunities. The funding can be used to supplement tuition costs, cover the cost of transportation and/or the purchase of required curriculum materials. Following their study, recipients are asked to provide an enrichment opportunity for the Trinity community. Application forms and guidelines are available from Laura Richardson (416-3012).

• March 14th (1 - 3:30pm) It's Pi Day! - Students participate in fun math related activities. Need 20 volunteers to man the booths and help with the activities.
• March 15th (6 - 7:30pm) Family Fun and Fitness Night.  Need 2 volunteers to help distribute food.

If you would like to dedicate an Easter Lily, please click here to order online ($15 each) . We will have envelopes available for those wishing to pay by cash or check in the narthex and at the reception desk. For questions, please contact    Bree Kerwin  (416-3017).

The Gainesville Fine Arts Association Winter Show is now on display on the 2nd floor of the Education Building. Don't miss this beautiful show featuring 22 of Gainesville's most talented artists.  It is only up until  April 10th .  But the walls won't be bare for long. Trinity's annual Trinity Talents Show goes up in May.  We need your paintings, photos, sculpture, fabric art, wood carvings, drawings, etc.  You too can hang at Trinity!  Details to follow.

David Buff and family on the passing of his mother, Joyce Anne Buff, on March 4.