IMPORTANT & TIMELY

God’s Naturehood: Adult Edition at World of Winter – Friday, February 27th from 1:00pm-3:00pm
Designed for Trinity families & friends ages 18 & up, God’s Naturehood: Adult Edition is a great opportunity to visit a new park, get to know members of your Trinity family better, and get your daily steps in. Our next meet-up is Friday, February 27 from 1:00pm-3:00pm for a downtown “World of Winter Festival” tour. Did you know GR hosts the largest winter festival in the US with 30 art installations, events, and more? While some exhibits are better seen at night, we’ll check out what we can during two daylight hours. Due to construction at Canal Park (our typical World of Winter meet-up spot), we’ll be meeting at Sixth Street Park instead this year. The address is 647 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. There is a parking lot with meters at Sixth Street as well as meter parking along Monroe Ave NW. Gather near the small pavilion along the river. We’ll walk about 1 mile south to Ah-Nab-Awen Park and back with a short coffee & warm-up break part way at the Biggby near Rosa Parks Circle. Our total walking distance will be about 2.25 miles. Questions? Contact Laura Johns at L.Johns@grtumc.org.

UWF: Soul Care Retreat – Saturday, February 28 from 9:00am-1:00pm
Taking the time to care for our soul is key to our health, especially in these times of uncertainty. Join us as we take a few hours to nourish our souls in sacred community.  All are welcome!  Continental Breakfast Bar begins at 9am.  Lite Lunch at Noon.  RSVP to church office@grtumc.org or by contacting Nichea V. Guy at orangecelt00@aol.com.

A Service of Hope & Healing in a Hurting & Desperate World – Sunday March 1 from 6:30pm-7:30pm
This intimate, candlelit service will offer a sacred space for reflection, prayer, and quiet strength in uncertain times. Each attendee will receive meaningful takeaways to continue the spirit of the service at home.  Come as you are. Leave with hope, practical tools, and a renewed sense of shared purpose.  Questions, contact office@grtumc.org.

Lost and Found
Please take a look for any missing items at the Lost and Found located just outside the main office.  Dani, our church administrator, will be donating any unclaimed items on Monday, March 2nd.

Missed Worship Yesterday?
Click here to watch.

Looking for the Latest Newsletter?
Click here for February Trinity in Touch Newsletter
The next newsletter will be for March.  March newsletter articles are due by February 17.
(NOTE: Going forward, newsletter articles will be due on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. If a month has five Tuesdays, the due date will be the 4th Tuesday instead.)

UPCOMING

The Easter Expedition: Exploring Holy Week Together – March 14 from 9:00am-11:30am
New for 2026 were combining the best parts of three years of From Hosanna to Hallelujah and two years of The Greatest Advent(ure). Our new Easter Expedition will start with a light breakfast from 9:00am-9:30am. Once you’re fortified, you’ll have 90 minutes to seek out all the “treasures” buried in the Easter story. Crafts, activities, prayer stations, and more will help you find clues and reveal new understandings. At 11:00am, we will all gather again as a group for a special treat, a time of sharing, and more! 

Family Camp Registration Coming Soon – May 22 to May 25
Maybe you have been attending Trinity Family Camp for 40 years? Maybe you’ve just heard the stories? Either way, this is your year to join us! Come experience the magic of the West Michigan lakeshore with your Trinity family this Memorial Day Weekend. Family camp is an inter-generational overnight opportunity for Trinity family & friends. Each family unit has their own lodging but we gather together for shared meals, activities, fellowship, worship, and more! Registration form with all the details is coming to your email box soon! Questions in the meantime? Contact Laura Johns, Director of Discipleship, at l.johns@grtumc.org.

UPCOMING LENTEN SERVICES

MAUNDY THURSDAY @ TRINITY – Thursday, April 2 at 7 pm
On the night before the cross, Jesus washed feet, shared bread, and gave his disciples a new command to love one another. We’ll gather at Trinity for communion and worship as we remember the meal, the mandate, and the love that shapes the church.
All are welcome as we share in this holy night.

GOOD FRIDAY @ ST. PAUL’S – Friday, April 3 at 7pm
St. Paul’s UMC, Grand Rapids
We’ll gather at St. Paul’s for a joint Good Friday service as we hear the passion narrative, sing hymns, and hold space for the depth of Christ’s love. The service concludes in silence as we await the dawn of Easter.
All are welcome to join us for this powerful and reflective service.

EASTER SUNDAY @ TRINITY – Sunday, April 5 at 10 am
On Easter morning we join the church in proclaiming the good news that Christ is risen and love has not been defeated. Our service will feature the Trinity Orchestra, congregational singing, and a joyful celebration of resurrection hope for all ages.  All are welcome as we gather to rejoice in God’s new life among us.

Faithful Resistance: A Public Witness for Immigrant Justice = Wednesday, February 25
In Person: Washington, D.C. – Online: Livestream
9:30am – 10:00am | Gathering (Capitol Hill United Methodist Church)
10:00am – 11:00am | Opening Worship Service
11:00am – 11:30am | Peaceful Procession to the U.S. Capitol
11:30am – 12:30pm | Public Witness at the U.S. Capitol
12:30pm – 2:00pm | Lunch on Your Own
2:00pm – 5:00pm | Congressional Visits
Register Now:  https://ow.ly/QK9t50Y1OO1

Pints with the Pastor – Select Sundays at 6:00pmYou’re invited to join us this winter & spring for Pints with the Pastor. This gathering is an opportunity for all of us to get a drink, get a taco, and get to know each other better. Meet up at Taco Borracho at 755 Michigan St NE anytime between 6:00pm-7:30pm. No RSVP required. Contact Pastor Mike at m.desotell@grtumc.org with questions. NEXT GATHERING: January 25

New Sign Up Links – Sundays This Winter & Spring Looking for ways to get involved and volunteer your time on Sunday mornings? Sign up today to assist in one of these amazing ministry areas!

• Greeters (Adults & Families): Welome people at the doors and in the Parlor before worship. https://tinyurl.com/TUMC-GreetersSpring2026
• Acolytes (Kids & Youth): Help light the candles in the Sanctuary. https://tinyurl.com/TUMC-AcolyteSpring2026
• TrinityKids Leaders (Adults): Facilitate gym & game time for our PreK to 5^th grade kids during Faith Formation. https://tinyurl.com/TrinityKidsSpring2026
• Youth Group 2^nd Adult (Adults): Lend a hand in Youth Group with our 6^th to 12 grade friends during Faith Formation. https://tinyurl.com/TUMCSpring25YG

ONGOING

Migration: Experiencing God’s Care for Immigrants (Adult Faith Formation) – Sundays February 22 to March 29 from 11:30am-12:30pm
This interactive Bible study invites us to explore how the movement of people reflects God’s love, purpose, and call in our lives. Through a diverse mix of Scripture, essays, spoken word, visual art, and personal testimonies, Migration offers a spiritually rich experience designed to deepen our connection with God and foster compassion for others. Workbooks available now on the counter near the Office and in the Discovery Room on Sunday mornings.

Communion Sign-Ups Needed
We are in need of a couple additional communion servers on April 5, 2026. Sign up at: tinyurl.com/Spring2026Communion.  Questions on communion? Contact Cynthia Swedish or Marty Tillstrom.

Mugs and Munchkins – Every 3rd Tuesday from 9:30am-10:30am
Mugs & Munchkins will be every third Tuesday of the month from 9:30AM – 10:30AM.  This is a relaxed, welcoming space where caregivers can connect, kids can play, and we can all build friendships that will last a lifetime! Check out our flyer for all the upcoming dates & details. ​Mugs & Munchkins Flyer 2025.pdf​ More questions? Contact Annie Slabaugh (a.slabaugh@grtumc.org) or Laura Johns (l.johns@grtumc.org). 

Sacred Justice Book Club – Quarterly on the First Tuesday of Various Months at 7:00pm
The Library Team is excited to announce our schedule of books & meetings for the next program year.  Our next meeting is May 5, 2026 – Queer & Christian by Brandan Robertson. We will have a time of sharing to start each group and then discuss the book we’ve read. The Library Team will provide beverages and dessert for all.  If you have any questions, please reach out to the Library Team (Dani Patrick, Hannah Marshall & Laura Johns).

Dinner for 8 Is Back!
Dinner for 8 is an informal dinner in the home of a person or couple in the congregation.  It is a fun and enjoyable way to get to know each other in a relaxed setting.  The host provides the main dish and the guests provide an appetizer, salad, or dessert.  We will have dinners in February, March, and April.  If you would like to be added to the mailing list or if you have questions, please contact Linda Burpee:  616-450-1160 or smoburp@icloud.com, or Dani in the church office.

Pints with the Pastor – Select Sundays at 6:00pmYou’re invited to join us this winter & spring for Pints with the Pastor. This gathering is an opportunity for all of us to get a drink, get a taco, and get to know each other better. Meet up at Taco Borracho at 755 Michigan St NE anytime between 6:00pm-7:30pm. No RSVP required. Contact Pastor Mike at m.desotell@grtumc.org with questions. NEXT GATHERING: February 22

New Sign Up Links – Sundays This Winter & Spring
Looking for ways to get involved and volunteer your time on Sunday mornings? Sign up today to assist in one of these amazing ministry areas!

• Greeters (Adults & Families): Welome people at the doors and in the Parlor before worship. https://tinyurl.com/TUMC-GreetersSpring2026
• Acolytes (Kids & Youth): Help light the candles in the Sanctuary. https://tinyurl.com/TUMC-AcolyteSpring2026
• TrinityKids Leaders (Adults): Facilitate gym & game time for our PreK to 5^th grade kids during Faith Formation. https://tinyurl.com/TrinityKidsSpring2026
• Youth Group 2^nd Adult (Adults): Lend a hand in Youth Group with our 6^th to 12 grade friends during Faith Formation. https://tinyurl.com/TUMCSpring25YG

Friends of Rohr at Trinity (FoRT) Small Groups
FoRT (Friends of Rohr at Trinity) is a group of over 40 folks who enjoy studying Father Richard Rohr’s writings. Together we desire to integrate action and contemplation in our lives. As we gather each week to discuss our reading and enjoy fellowship together, we find we are “growing Deeper, loving Better, seeing God more Clearly.” You’re invited to join us! DBC meets on Sundays from 5:00pm-6:30pm in the Fireside Room and is reading The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage. Everything Belongs (EvB) gathers in the upstairs Library on Thursdays from 6:15pm-7:30pm and is discussing The Naked Now. Questions about any of these acronyms or the amazing groups of people they represent? Contact Laura Johns at l.johns@grtumc.org or other members of the FoRT Leadership Team: Merrita Tumonong, Penny Murray & Steve Murray. 

TNT- Thursday Nights @ Trinity – Thursdays starting at 5:15pm
TNT, Thursday Nights at Trinity, continues every Thursday. Dinner will begin at 5:15pm, followed by various music group practices as well as a small group study. Sign up for Spring 2026 TNT meals at www.tinyurl.com/TNTSpring2026

Gophers each Tuesday at 9:15am
The Gophers Exercise Class will be held at 9:15am in the Discovery Room.  It is an exercise class for all ages & abilities.  There is no fee, sign-up, or special equipment needed.  Any questions contact Katie Orent @ kateorent@gmail.com.

Social Justice Resource Document – Available Online RECENTLY UPDATED
Find our latest justice resources online HERE!  Our Google Doc is updated weekly and includes resources, organizations & direct action steps.  Thank you for being part of this journey!

Coffee & Conversation- Tuesdays at 10am, Parlor
Need a bit of social time with your Trinity friends and staff? Join us every Tuesday for Coffee & Conversation in the Parlor at 10am.

Did you know?  
The Kent Dems now collects compost material through Organicycle and also accepts clean Styrofoam for recycling (like packaging Styrofoam). Folks can drop off material to the Kent Dems (301 Fuller NE) M-F from 10am-4pm.  

Looking for Links?
Not sure where to find something online? Check out these links below…

• Sign up your acolyte HERE.
• Become a Greeter HERE. 
• Order a “Belong, Be Love, Be You” Trinity Shirt HERE.
• TNT Dinner Signups HERE
• Trinity’s New Social Justice Resource HERE
• Trinity Kids Volunteer Signup HERE
• Youth Volunteer Signup HERE
• Pastor Mike’s Sermon Blog HERE