HOLY WEEK UPDATES

Thursday Nights at Trinity – Thursday, April 2 from 5:00pm-8:00pm
Due to Maundy Thursday worship, Thursday Nights at Trinity (TNT) has been adjusted slightly this week. Dinner will be from 5:00pm-5:30pm. Adult choir will rehearse from 5:45pm-6:30pm. The nursery will be open from 5:30pm-8:00pm during adult music rehearsals and Maundy Thursday worship for kids 5th grade & under. There will be no kids choir and bells this week. 

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
We’ll gather at St. Paul’s UMC (3334 Breton Rd SE, 49512) 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.

United Women in Faith “Living Into Hope” Lenten Breakfast – Saturday, April 4 at 9:30am
This annual tradition, prepares us to embrace the resurrection as a way to discover how hope enters our lives and moves us to renew our faith. Enjoy the great food, exceptional conversation and meaningful message from Dani Patrick.  A donation of $8 is suggested with proceeds going to the UWF Prayer and Self-Denial Offering supporting Children’s Programing in our National Mission Institutions. RSVP to the church office@grtumc.org -OR- Nichea VerVeer Guy orangecelt00@aol.com.  All are welcome to celebrate with us. We hope you will join us.

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. A combined PreK to 5th grade class will be offered during worship featuring crafts, stories, and more. No 11:30am Faith Formation classes will be taking place this week.

Easter Flowers
This year, Trinity UMC is providing the Easter flowers for worship, and afterward they will help bring beauty to our outdoor green space. If you would like to remember or honor someone special, we invite you to sign up for one of the weekly altar flower dedications in the narthex.

Missed Worship Yesterday?
Click here to watch.

Looking for the Latest Newsletter?
Click here for the March Trinity in Touch Newsletter
The next newsletter will be for April.  March newsletter articles are due by March 24.
(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

No Thursday Nights at Trinity – Thursday, April 9
Due to spring break, there will be no TNT meal, Everything Belongs (FoRT) group, Kids & Youth choir rehearsal, or nursery care this week. The adult choir will have a rehearsal at 6:00pm. Contact Randy with any questions. 

Sunday Kids Class First Sunday Flip – Sunday, April 12
Because we are having a special combined class on Easter Sunday, the first Sunday of the month, we are taking Sunday, April 12 off for Children & Worship and Kids Connect. These classes typically meet during the worship service for ages PreK-5th grade. They will return on April 19. There will be all 11:30am Faith Formation classes on April 12 including TrinityKids, Youth Group, and Adult Faith Formation. 

Migration: Guest Speakers & Conversations (Adult Faith Formation) – Sundays April 12 to 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. Join us for one Sunday or all of them! Each class will offer new information and new opportunities to think about how we can make a difference in our Church, our community, and our world. The schedule of speakers & topics is as follows. More information on each week can be found on the slides, screens, and in the newsletter. 

Week 1: April 12 | Dale Dalman of Hope for Neighbors

Week 2: April 19 | Liz Balck of ACLU of Michigan

Week 3: April 26 | Connecting Faith, Race, and Immigration Justice with James Kang

Week 4: May 3 | Outreach & Advocacy Team Update

Popcorn Party Time – Friday, April 17 at 6:30pm
Help us wrap up another program year of Popcorn Party Times on April 17 with an epic game night! Not sure what Popcorn Party Time is? It’s our monthly movie or game nights! We’re calling these special all-ages evenings Popcorn Party Time because that’s what they’ll be. A monthly party with lots and lots of popcorn! Not just for kids, not just for grown-ups – Popcorn Party Time is a chance for the whole Trinity family to get together for fellowship and fun. 

God’s Naturehood: Adult Edition (Aman Park) – Friday, April 24 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 Friday, April 24 at 1:00pm at Aman Park at 0-1859 Lake Michigan Dr, Grand Rapids, MI 49534. We’re hoping to catch some Michigan wildflowers in bloom! Questions? Contact Laura Johns at L.Johns@grtumc.org.

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

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

COMMUNITY NEED: Grand Rapids Pride Center Flooding
See the current financial and volunteer needs from the Grand Rapids Pride Center after the recent flooding in Grand Rapids.  View their post HERE.

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). 

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: April 26.

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): 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
• 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