Office Closed Monday, April 6
In observance of the Easter holiday, the church office will be closed on Monday, April 6. We will reopen on Tuesday, April 7 at 8:30 a.m. Have a happy and blessed Easter!
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On This Rock | Lenten Sermon Series
Sundays, Feb. 22–Apr. 12
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“On this rock I will build my church,” Jesus says to Peter. On the authority of that promise, the Roman Church has named its popes. But what did Jesus really mean? That Peter’s faith was so solid, so unshakable, that it could bear the weight of the church? If so, it is striking that the Gospels tell us just as much about Peter’s failures as they do about his faith—his impulsiveness, his misunderstandings, even his denial of Jesus. So what is this “rock” on which the church is built? In our Lenten sermon series, On This Rock, we will get to know Peter more deeply, in both his courage and his fragility. And in doing so, we may come to understand not only what Jesus was saying about Peter, but also what he is saying about us: that God builds the church not on perfection, but on grace-filled, imperfect faith.
Kairos Worship Schedule:
Midweek Reflections | Wednesdays in Lent
- Feb. 25–April 1: “The Other Disciples,” Weekly Kairos Reflections via YouTube and Facebook
Maundy Thursday | April 2
- 6:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday Worship with Communion, Kirk Hall
- On Maundy Thursday, the church remembers the final evening Jesus shared with his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. That night in the upper room included three significant moments: Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, the institution of the Lord’s Supper, and his new commandment that his followers love one another. This service marks the beginning of the Triduum, the three-day period from sunset on Thursday to sunset on Easter Day.
- Because this is the only midweek service during Holy Week at Second, our worship will reflect both the intimate moments of the upper room and the solemn events that lead to Good Friday.
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Easter Sunday | April 5
- Join us for worship at 8:45 and 11:00 a.m. as we celebrate our risen Lord!
- *Sunday school will not meet on Easter Day.*
- We invite you to bring some flowers from your yard or garden to contribute to the Easter crosses on April 5. The crosses will be located in the courtyard between the Sanctuary and Chapel on 3rd Street SW and on the playground. Help us celebrate the joy of resurrection with this wonderful tradition.
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"The Other Disciples: Judas"
Kairos Reflection by Dr. George Anderson
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Great Day of Service
Saturday, April 25 | 8:00 a.m.–12 Noon
Register by April 8th to receive a FREE SHIRT!
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On Saturday, April 25th, the youth of Second invite you to join them for an intergenerational mission day as we seek to serve the city! We’ve partnered with several local organizations in the past to make a meaningful impact. But this year, we will focus our time and energy solely on beautifying the grounds of Trinity Commons. The day will kick off with Donuts & Devotion at 8:15 a.m. before walking across the street. We will serve until 12:00 p.m.
This project is unique in that Restoration Housing has renovated and reimagined Trinity United Methodist Church as affordable housing units for the aging in our community. Restoration Housing will provide snacks, water, and t-shirts… just make sure to register by April 8th to receive a free shirt!
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Trent Symposium Congregational Dinner & Program
Featuring Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty
Tuesday, April 21 | 6:00 p.m. | Fellowship Hall
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Join us for the annual Trent Symposium Dinner on Tuesday, April 21 at 6:00 p.m. Enjoy dinner with the symposium participants followed by a special program offered by Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty titled, “Sustaining Rootedness in an Age of Fragmentation.”
On the Menu:
- Apricot Dijon Glazed Pork Tenderloin, Fresh Green Beans with Pancetta, Roasted Garlic Rosemary Potatoes, Spring Mix Salad, Rolls, and Assorted Desserts.
- Cost: $15 per adult | $7 for children ages 5–12 | Children under 5 free.
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Register by Sunday, April 12.
About the Program: “Sustaining Rootedness in an Age of Fragmentation”
Within the context of the 16th-century reformations, John Calvin envisioned the local congregation as the nexus of social change, with tremendous potential to model alternative ways of living and to create communities of belonging. Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty will draw upon new research being done by religious leaders and scholars in Brazil, the Netherlands, and South Africa to invite you into a conversation about how remaining rooted within the Reformed tradition can be life-giving, sustaining, and transformative as the nation and churches experience a great deal of growing cynicism and instability.
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About the Speaker: Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty
Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty is the J. Roy Davis Chair of Theology and History at Union Presbyterian Seminary. She is often called upon to speak or preach on matters of faith and public life. Her most recent book, Authentic Christian Freedom: Deconstructing the American Gospel of Liberty, was featured among the top book recommendations made by The Presbyterian Outlook in 2025. She and her husband, Lee, make their home in Charlotte, NC. You can learn more about her current research and other interests at elizabethhinsonhasty.com.
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– Special Notice –
Elder Nominations | Deadline April 19
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The Nominating Committee will be meeting in the spring to elect a slate of nominees to serve as Elders for the Class of 2029. An excerpt from the Book of Order states: “Elders should be persons of faith, dedication, and good judgment. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel, both within the Church and in the world.”
Please use the nomination form and prayerfully consider the commitment, involvement, and talents of individuals you nominate. If you have questions, please contact Patty Lemon, Nominating Committee Chair. Submissions are due by Sunday, April 19.
| | "Build It Together" 2026 Habitat for Humanity Build | | |
Note: There will be NO build day this Saturday, April 4. Enjoy Easter weekend with your loved ones!
Our 2026 Partnership Build with Habitat for Humanity alongside St. John’s Episcopal is officially underway! We're serving on the 1st/3rd Saturdays and the 2nd/4th Thursdays. Volunteer spots remain across all service days, and we'd love for you to join us! Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome; no experience necessary. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or brand new to construction, there’s a place for you on this team. Learn more and sign up today via SignUpGenuis.
Mark your calendars for the Wall Raising on Saturday, April 11th! All are invited!
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The Bible in Black & White | Begins April 8th
"Like I Was Saying..." – Conversations Today
April 8, 15, 22, & 29 | 12:00 p.m. | Fellowship Hall
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This spring, the Bible in Black & White will pick up where our fall study left off. After exploring the long, layered conversations Jesus has in the Gospel of John, we will now turn to our own conversations—especially the ones we hesitate to have. What does it look like to speak truthfully and listen deeply in a divided world? Can Jesus teach us not only what to say but how to say it—with humility, courage, and love? Using Scripture as our foundation, we’ll also draw on other resources that help us navigate difficult conversations with grace—knowing when to speak, when to stay silent, and how to stay connected even when we disagree. Come ready to reflect, engage, and grow in the sacred art of conversation.
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Evening VBS for All Ages
June 7–10 (Sun.–Wed.))
June 7: 6–8 p.m. with dinner
June 8–10: 6:30–7:45 p.m. with refreshments
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We’re excited to kick off the summer with our Evening Vacation Bible School beginning Sunday, June 7, with a shared dinner and opening program. Adults are invited to join a special study led by mission co-worker Dr. John McCall, who will guide us in diving deeper into Scripture and growing together in faith. Meanwhile, children (Pre-K through 5th grade) will enjoy a theatre-themed VBS experience, full of creativity, storytelling, and faith-filled fun! Childcare will also be available for our youngest participants. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to learn and grow as a church family, side by side across generations.
Adult Evening Study Theme: “Paying Attention to God in Daily Life”
Following Jesus is a lifelong journey of growing in His love. As we learn to love God and our neighbor, the pace and pressures of daily life can easily distract us from spiritual growth. Yet God continually invites us to notice His presence. During our evenings together, we’ll explore practical and meaningful ways to cultivate an attentive, God-centered life in the midst of everyday routines.
For 4 Year Olds–Middle School: Children’s Theatre Camp
This summer, we’re thrilled to welcome back Meghan Griffith as the leader for our Evening VBS Children’s Theatre Camp! Children are welcome to bring friends.
Dinner: June 7th will kick off Evening VBS with a congregational meal from Three Little Pigs BBQ! Menu includes Pork BBQ, Baked Beans, Mac & Cheese, Coleslaw, Garden Salad, Hot Dogs and Chips.
Cost: Adult – $15.00. Child 5 to 12 yrs old – $7.00. Child Under 5 – Free.
Register by Sunday, May 31.
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Morning VBS | "Jospeh's Journey"
July 20–23 (Mon.–Th.) | 8:30 a.m.–12 noon
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This year’s Morning Vacation Bible School (Pre-K–5th grade) will explore the inspiring story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Together, children will discover how God was always with Joseph (like God is always with us) through challenges, change, and moments of great need. Register today!
Our VBS programs thrive thanks to the energy and commitment of our youth and adult volunteers! If you’re interested in helping with crafts, games, storytelling, or snacks, we’d love to have you join the team. To volunteer, please contact Maria Blackshaw or Meredith Koliba.
VBS After Care Camps* | July 20–23 (Mon.–Th.) | 12 noon–4:00 p.m.
We’re pleased to again offer VBS After Care Camps for families seeking extended care during VBS week! In partnership with local sports and arts organizations, children will enjoy fun, enriching afternoon “mini camps” held right here at the church. This opportunity allows families to take full advantage of the free Morning VBS while adding engaging afternoon activities. Please note that space will be limited and a $180 fee will apply for the aftercare portion. Register for After Care Camps today!
*Note: After Care Camps are open to Kindergarten–5th grade children.
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Call for VBS Shirts
Do you have one (or more) of these shirts hidden away in your closet?
We would love for you to proudly wear it as a VBS volunteer this summer!
But, if it’s going unused, please drop it off at the front desk so we can replenish our supply.
Thank you!
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Churchwide Retreat | "Love Builds Up"
August 21–23 | Eagle Eyrie Conference Center
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Join us August 21–23 at Eagle Eyrie in Lynchburg for our annual churchwide retreat! You won’t want to miss this intergenerational opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal. The retreat begins with dinner on Friday, and ends following mid-morning worship on Sunday. Our guest speaker for the retreat is the Rev. Dr. Rachel Thompson Orfield, Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville.
Check out the brochure for more details. A $100 deposit is due at the time of registration. Register by Monday, June 1.
*This event is made possible by a generous grant from the Richter Fund, with guest speaker funding from the Trent Fund.
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