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 "Who is This?" ( Matthew 21:1-11) by Rev. Lenora Rousseau.

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 now 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!

This week's Mission Box is for camp scholarships to Warren Willis United Methodist Camp in Fruitland Park. From July 2 - 7, Trinity's children and youth (3rd - 12th grade) will enjoy a fun-filled week that includes worship, small groups, praise time, ropes course, archery, swimming, arts and crafts, and much more. Our mission box collections will help reduce registration costs. For more information, please contact Brian Wittstruck (352-416-3008). (text-to-give keyword: camp)  

Wednesday Night Dinners 

Join us for food, fun & fellowship! The menu for March 21 is herb crusted pork chops, rice pilaf, mixed vegetables, biscuits, soup, salad, and dessert. 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.  

We are so pleased to announce that on April 8, Rev. Dr. Gary Mason will be preaching at all three Sunday services on the theme of being a critical friend in times of deep conflict. Gary has worked extensively over the past thirty years in conflict transformation, peace building and reconciliation, primarily within the Northern Irish Peace Process.

Good news! If you missed the opportunity to have your family portrait taken for the directory, Lifetouch Photography is coming back from April 10 - 14.  Every family will receive a complimentary portrait for their participation and have the opportunity to purchase other photo packages as desired.  Click here to select your preferred date and time slot.  If you need assistance in selecting an appointment time or you would like to serve as a volunteer host during photography times, please contact  Jordyn (376-6615). 

Join us on April 4 for a meal packaging event with Called to Action to send meals to Honduras. A pizza dinner will be provided in the Worship Center and served at 5:30pm, the packaging will begin at 6:15pm. This is a great event for the whole family, we can find jobs for everyone!

The Missions Spring Yard Sale will be April 21 from 8am - 12pm in the Worship Center parking lot. For sellers: $25 for 2 tables, no reservations needed. For buyers: come find some new treasurers! All proceeds benefit Trinity Missions.

Want to keep up with what's happening at Faith Mission?  We're starting an e-newsletter and the first one will be in early April!  Events, ways to get involved, workshops, and priorities - so please sign up here to get on the list!

 

Thank you Trinity for all you do to help others in need. Please click here to read a thank you letter to our congregation from UMCOR for the over $32,000 donated for hurricane relief. You all are amazing!

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!

Summer Information: Registration is now open for Summertime Fun, Fusion, and Crosstrainers summer camps. VBS (June 4 - 8) registration will open April 1 and Dance Camp (July 23 - 27) registration will open April 2. More information and registration links are available here.

If you haven't connected to a small group or Bible study class, will you please take a minute to complete this 2 question survey?

 

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!   

 

Mission Study: Living As A Covenant Community, Wednesdays, April 4 - 25, 6:30 - 7:30pm, Room E232. Contact Mary Byrd. This study examines major covenants throughout the Bible and what they reveal about God's character and eternal love for us. It will enhance your understanding of how God works with us, in us, and through us. The study is sponsored by The United Methodist Women. All are welcome.  

 

Friends with Disabilities is a new small group where friends with disabilities have the opportunity to grow in faith together and experience God's love and grace.  Come join us on Wednesdays, beginning April 4, from 6:30 - 7:30pm in the O. Dean Martin Prayer Room (E120). We will begin studying Mark 2:1 - 12, Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man. For more information contact Kim Lewerenz (352-416-3074).

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). Dedications are due by March 25.

Youth Group: Join us at for Moe's and a Movie this Sunday in lieu of UMYF. Meet us at Moe's at 6pm for some queso (on us). Then we'll head over to Regal Royal Park to see I Can Only Imagine, and we'll provide the popcorn.

Summer Mission Trips Deposits: Deposits for both trips are due March 31. Scholarships and payment arrangements can be made if needed. Sonlight Tour/Mission Trip- $100; Appalachia Service Project (ASP)- $50.

Beach Day Trip: Need something fun to do during spring break? Join us for a day trip to the beach on March 27, we'll meet at the Youth Building at 8am and return around 5pm.  $10 covers transportation, lunch, and a treat. Spaces are limited so let us know if you're coming!

to the family of John Bradley Reynolds (Brad): his partner, Janie Hart; mother, Karla;   step-daughter and son-in-law, Haley and Garrett Sparks; and brother, Jeffrey and family.