by Gloria Colvin, Chair of the Bicentennial Publicity Committee
What a year we have in store as we reflect on Trinity’s presence and witness in downtown Tallahassee for the past 200 years and as we continue to build on that tradition! As I’ve asked people to consider what Trinity means to them, certain words keep coming up – home, community, family, service, love, commitment, comfort, welcoming, inclusive, worship, music, spiritual growth. They capture so much of the essence of Trinity and are reflected in the plans for this year.
Get your 2024 calendars out, make note of these special upcoming events, and invite your friends to come! You can also keep up with events on the new Bicentennial website at www.tumct.org/bicentennial200. In the words of Rev. John Willis, “You won’t want to miss them!”
Trinity’s outstanding music program has planned many concerts and performances throughout the year. It will kick off the year-long celebration with a concert of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” on January 9, followed by a concert by St. Olaf Choir on February 2. Three organists from the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City will perform organ concerts on March 9, May 4, and September 21. Our choirs and other musicians will offer a variety of music, including Faure’s “Requiem” on March 17 and a concert of contemporary worship music on April 12.
Each month on the second Sunday we will welcome a guest clergy to Trinity’s pulpit. Some of these are former Trinity pastors and others are officials or Bishops of the United Methodist Church. For some of us it will be a joyous reunion with people who hold a special place in our hearts, but for all of us it will be inspiring to hear from so many prominent United Methodist clergy. On January 14, we welcome Rev. Judi New, Archivist of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Following the 11:00 service, we hope that you’ll stay to greet Rev. New and enjoy the fellowship of other Trinity members at a special reception in the Parlor and Prayer Garden.
Lay Academy will be offering a four-week course on Trinity’s history beginning January 17. At the first session, Rev. John and Pat Willis will look back on their experiences at Trinity over the years, and Dr. Lynn McLarty will lead us through an exploration of Trinity’s past 200 years in the following weeks.
Part of Trinity’s ongoing legacy is its service and commitment to the Tallahassee community, and there will be many opportunities for service throughout the year. In this tradition, we are dedicating ten percent of the generous gifts for the Bicentennial, a tithe, for a gift to the community.
More information about events will be forthcoming during the year, but be sure to save the date of September 29, the 200th anniversary of the church’s founding and our Celebration Sunday. Now, let the celebration begin!