Faith Mission Director's Message

Summer is here, and there has been a lot happening at Faith Mission! In May, we hosted the Alachua County Crisis Center as they facilitated a training for Trinity staff on how to help people experiencing a crisis. This training was informative and led to great discussions about how our church can be welcoming while keeping everyone safe. Also in May, we welcomed Planned Parenthood to Faith Mission for their “Time for your Teen” training. This community training helped parents and trusted adults of teens identify their values and communicate them to their teens.

Our Circles Gainesville community continues to meet every Tuesday evening to break down barriers that keep families in poverty. Recently, we welcomed head coach John Ritzdorf and Player Predrag Panisic who led the youth in drills and offered one on one coaching, while Campus USA provided tasty treats to celebrate a fun evening of basketball and new friendships. We look forward to partnering with the Santa Fe Saints Men's Basketball again soon!

In June, Trinity’s Creation Care team came to Faith Mission to help pick up litter in the woods around campus. This is a big task, and the team was able to remove seven bags of trash from the woods around Faith Mission and keep Trinity’s natural resources healthy.

As we look ahead to the second half of this year, we are busy planning for several events and projects. In September we will be hosting our first youth Cost of Poverty Experience in partnership with Poverty Solutions Group and Trinity’s youth group. We are really excited to work with our youth as we uncover the complexities of poverty in our community. We are also planning Trinity’s 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament, which will take place in February 2026. Stay tuned for more information about the Tournament and the youth COPE!

Eric Papaya, Director of Faith Mission

Trinity Serves Hope During the Amazing Give!

On April 24, Faith Mission took part in the Amazing Give, focusing on fundraising for the meals we serve at our Circles Gainesville meetings every Tuesday.

Through this fundraising opportunity, we were able to raise $5,375.00! This money will serve hope at Circles Gainesville by providing 17 community meals!

We are so thankful for your generosity and your partnership in the work of community-building between people across socioeconomic differences. Your support allows the ministry of Circles Gainesville to continue. If you would like to serve hope at Circles Gainesville by supporting a meal, click on the button below!

$5 provides one meal

$25 provides one meal for a family

$325 provides dinner for the Circles community

Circles Gainesville at Faith Mission is part of a national movement to help families move out of poverty and towards economic stability. Circles Gainesville meets weekly at Faith Mission, a campus of Trinity United Methodist Church.

Community Partner Spotlight

In January and February, Faith Mission hosted community partners, UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine, for a 6-week songwriting pilot program for people affected by sickle cell. Four music practitioners and seven community members participated in this project, which culminated in an 8-song album titled Warrior’s Path, which takes listeners on the journey of a sickle cell warrior: from the depths of its darkness to the peaks of life and light.

Warrior’s Path was recorded at local acclaimed Pulp Arts Studios, and premiered on March 23, 2025 with a Community Listening Party, and a panel of artists, participants, and social care workers for deeper community understanding of sickle cell.

Support the work of Faith Mission

The work at Faith Mission is only possible because of your support. Your generous gifts of time and resources help build a community of learning and hospitality at Faith Mission.

If you would like to make a gift to support the work of Faith Mission, you may use the Trinity UMC Giving Portal (and select “Missions: Faith Mission” on the Fund dropdown box), mail your support to Trinity UMC (4000 NW 53rd Ave, Gainesville FL 32653), or connect with Eric Papaya (352-416-3050 or epapaya@trinitygnv.org).