Good afternoon friends,

Being new (again) to Gainesville, I've had the opportunity to introduce myself to many different folks over the last several weeks. What I have noticed is that quite frequently when I share with someone that I am one of the new pastors of Trinity, if they are not familiar with Trinity, they will respond, "Is that the big church on NW 53 rd Avenue?" I haven't been sure of how exactly to respond to that. Yes, Trinity is a big church, but there is so much more to Trinity than size.  

This morning in my devotion time it came to me. I think my response will now be something along the lines of "Yes, Trinity is the church on NW 53 rd Avenue, and Trinity is certainly a church with a big heart - a heart for God, a heart for one another, and a heart for the community." That is what Steve and I have come to recognize as one of the most beautiful things about Trinity - your (our) big heart.  

Every day (and particularly every day in the next 12 days) I encourage you to reveal your big heart - your heart for God, your heart for one another, and your heart for the community. As we near the end of this election cycle, it will be easy for people to be negative, be sarcastic, be ugly and be demeaning. None of those reveal a heart for God.  Therefore, I invite you to be mindful of what you say, how you say it, and how you act.  Let others see in you every moment of every day, that you reveal and give witness to the heart of Christ.  

And " From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise. Practice these things....The God of peace will be with you" (Philippians 4:8-9).

And speaking of a heart for God, I'll look forward to seeing you Sunday as I offer a message about "An Audience of One" (Psalm 95) and our heart for God in worship.  

Grace and Peace,

Catherine 

P.S.  Don't forget to come out to Trinity's Great Pumpkin Harvest Festival this Sunday afternoon from 4:00-7:00 p.m.  Invite your family and friends and share your heart for our community by extending hospitality and a warm welcome.  Enjoy fun, old-fashioned games, Trunk or Treat, great photo ops, and, of course, the Pumpkin Patch!