IMPORTANT & TIMELY

Spring Clean-Up Day- Saturday, May 2 – 9am-12pm
Our biannual day to rake, trim and clean up the Trinity grounds will be Saturday, May 2, 9am-12pm. Enjoy coffee and doughnuts, and come share an hour or so in fellowship and fun with members of your Trinity family! Bring a rake and gloves and we’ll put you to work. HOPE TO SEE YOU!

Community Ministries Sunday – May 3 at 10am
Join us on Sunday, May 3 for Community Ministries Sunday! During worship, you’ll hear meaningful stories and updates from the Director of our Community Ministries Program.  Come and be inspired by three powerful stories that will fill your cup with joy, and learn about exciting new directions the program is exploring—sparked by an unexpected source. Together, we’ll celebrate and share the joy of the work Trinity UMC is doing in our community through both word and images.

Migration: Guest Speakers & Conversations (Adult Faith Formation) – Sundays May 3 from 11:30am-12:30pm
After spending Lent reading and discussing Migration: Experiencing God’s Care for Immigrants, we are excited to continue to explore topics related to immigration, refugees, justice, advocacy, and more with help from guest speakers & Trinity friends. And we have one Sunday left…Sunday, May 3 at 11:30am | Outreach & Advocacy Update. Come wrap up our two studies with a discussion facilitated by the Trinity Outreach & Advocacy Team about resources, partnerships, and next steps. Let’s brainstorm together how we can be people who see God in our immigrant neighbors and who practice justice in our lives.

Dani Patrick Graduation Party – Sunday, May 3 from 2:00pm-4:00pm
The Patrick family invites you to celebrate Dani’s graduation from Chicago Theological Seminary this coming Sunday in the Trinity Parlor from 2:00pm-4:00pm.

Sacred Justice Book Club – Tuesday, May 5 at 7:00pm
After an amazing inaugural year, the Sacred Justice Book Club is excited for its last meeting of the 2025-2026 program year. On May 5th at 7:00pm, we’ll be discussing Queer & Christian by Brandan Robertson. Make sure you join us for conversation and dessert plus we’ll be selecting the books for next year and we want your feedback. Also, a reminder that Brandan Robertson will be speaking at Trinity on June 9th so the May meeting will be a great opportunity to prepare for his visit. All are welcome! Questions about Sacred Justice Book Club? Contact the Library Team: Laura Johns, Hannah Marshall & Dani Patrick

Whitecaps Tickets Now Available – June 21 at 2:00pm – Deadline to Order May 15th
Join your Trinity family at LMCU Ballpark on Sunday, June 21 as the West Michigan Whitecaps take on the Lansing Lugnuts. Our box seats are in the same section as the last few years, but we are not able to do a group BBQ due to changes at the ballpark. Food voucher options are available to ensure no one goes hungry. Get all the mix & match ticket/voucher info online at tinyurl.com/TUMCWhitecaps2026. Deadline to purchase tickets is May 15. Questions? Contact Laura Johns at l.johns@grtumc.org.

Missed Worship Yesterday?
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Looking for the Latest Newsletter?
Click here for the April Trinity in Touch Newsletter
The next newsletter will be for June.  June newsletter articles are due by May 19.
(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

It’s a Wrap. What’s Next? (Adult Faith Formation) – Sunday, May 17 at 11:30am
Let’s connect about what we’ve explored this program year and dream about the future together. There will be opportunities for feedback as well as summer & fall teasers! There will also be extra special snacks! That’s right, the Adult Ministries Council wants to hear from you and are not above a little bribery. Join us for food, fellowship & discussion!

Milestone Sunday: Books & Bibles and Graduation Celebration – June 7 at 10:00am
Our second Milestone Sunday of 2026 is June 7 and we will be celebrating any milestones from February to May 2026. Our Milestone Moment will be the honoring of graduates and a special Books & Bibles opportunity for all kids & youth. Have a milestone to share? Fill out our online form at https://tinyurl.com/TUMCMilestone06-2026, email Laura at l.johns@grtumc.org, or put a note on your Connection Card. A cupcake reception will follow worship! 

• Families with High School Grads: Please let Laura & Annie know if your student will be in attendance and what size sweatshirt they prefer. We cannot wait to celebrate with them!

• Families with ANY Kids & Youth: Make sure to check out the online form and fill out the Books & Bibles section. This will ensure we have a book ready for your kiddos. Those ages 8-12 qualify for an inscribed Bible but only if you request it – so make sure to sign up today!

God’s Naturehood: Family Edition (Millenium Park) – Saturday, June 13 at 10:00am
Designed for Trinity families & friends with kiddos ages 12 and under, God’s Naturehood: Family Edition is a time of fellowship & fun at a local park! All kids must be accompanied by an adult. Join us June 13 from 10:00am-11:00am at Millennium Park, 1415 Maynard Ave SW, Walker, MI 49534. Our meet-up will feature a chance to play on the amazing Millennium Park playgrounds and then a short walk on the paved & boardwalk trails nearby. Allergy friendly snacks will be available, but make sure to pack your own beverages! Great for those young families and those school age kiddos with lots of extra summer-time energy. The trails are stroller & wagon accessible and there are restrooms on-site. Questions? Contact Laura Johns at L.Johns@grtumc.org.

SAVE THE DATE: Queer & Christian w/Brandan Robertson – Tuesday, June 9 from 6:30pm-8:30pm
We’re excited to announce an upcoming FREE event on June 9, 2026, featuring Brandan Robertson, queer scholar and pastor, and author of Queer and Christian. This promises to be an inspiring evening of dialogue and community engagement.  The night will include a discussion with Brandan, a Q&A session, access to community resources and a book signing! RSVP at:  https://tinyurl.com/QueerChristian2026

ONGOING

Mugs and Munchkins – Every 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). 

God’s Naturehood: Adult Edition (Lepard Preserve) – Friday, May 15 at 1:00pm
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 May 15 at 1:00pm at Lepard Preserve at 6030 76th St SE, Caledonia, MI 49316. Park in the main lot that is accessed from an entry off 76th Street just east of Broadmoor Ave SE. The most visible road signage will be for the Spirit of Life Lutheran Church. Questions? Contact Laura Johns at L.Johns@grtumc.org.  NOTE:  The trails at Lepard have elevation changes & uneven surfaces.

Pints with the Pastor – Select Sundays at 6:00pm
You’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: May 17.

God’s Naturehood: Sunday Kids Edition – June 14 & 21, July 12 & 19, August 9 & 16
Calling all Pre-K to 5th Grade kiddos! Come upstairs to the TrinityKids Room after Children’s Moment on select Sundays this summer for a class with Ms. Laura, Ms. Annie, and other Protection Policy certified leaders. We’ll learn about what God has made by examining different parts of creation, digging into amazing science facts, and (when weather permits) spending time outside exploring the Naturehood right around our building! There will be crafts, games, science, stories, and more. Sunday Kids Edition will be offered June 14 & 21, July 12 & 19, August 9 & 16. Weekly programming for kiddos & youth will return in September. 

Musicians Needed for Summer Special Music!
Throughout the summer members and friends of the Trinity community are invited to sign up and share their musical talents as our weekly special musicians. If you have a musical gift, please sign up and share your musical talents with us! Jane Van Hof, Trinity’s collaborative organist and pianist, is scheduling summer music for worship at Trinity. Click on this link to access a sign-up form. Jane is willing to accompany you and rehearse with you as needed, and will also organize small ensembles if there is interest! If you have questions, you can reach Jane at janevanhof@att.net.

Family Camp Overnight Guests – Memorial Weekend: May 22-25, 2026
The reservations are in and we have an amazing group signed up this year! It’s going to be a fantastic weekend on the West Michigan lakeshore. Laura will be emailing you lodging & meals confirmation, as well as a pack list, schedule of events, and other key info by mid-May. If you have questions in the meantime, do not hesitate to reach out.

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…

• Greeters (Adults & Families): Welcome people at the doors and in the Parlor before worship. https://tinyurl.com/TUMC-GreetersApr-Aug2026 
• 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
• Order a “Belong, Be Love, Be You” Trinity Shirt HERE
• TNT Dinner Signups HERE
• Trinity’s New Social Justice Resource HERE
• Pastor Mike’s Sermon Blog HERE