When Dr. Charles Gattis arrived at Trinity with his wife Judy, he found a church strong in ministry to its community and in diverse forms of worship, but whose laity and staff were struggling to work under stretched resources during a time of economic downturn.. He saw his mission to be one of spiritual rejuvenation and restructuring available resources to soundly under gird church operations and programs. 

Spiritual rejuvenation began with music such as Dr. Gattis singing from the pulpit, Becky Waters’ Lenten concert, and Lunch and Singing with the Pastor. Additional mid - week Bible Studies were encouraged, and the first Stephen Ministers were consecrated. Lenten and Advent Prayer Paths were created. 

A rejuvenated membership pushed the envelope in service and commitment. New programs included serving as Host Church in the Interfaith Hospitality Network for homeless families, 13-member trip to Kybartai, Lithuania to advance our church partnership, support to remodeling a local motel as a refuge for Hurricane Katrina victims, and a major capital fund drive for a new Trinity roof and Kybartai church support. 

— Joe Connaughton, Church Historian

2003 - Dr Charles Gattis, and his wife Judy, came to Trinity from his pastorate at Canterbury UMC in Mountain Brook, Alabama in February of 2003.

 Trinity Boy Scouts James and David Cook began work on their Eagle Service Project – construction of a deck and prayer garden located on the church lawn between Epworth Wing and The New Room lobby. Many church members worked with the scouts to complete the beautiful garden. 

Trinity enlisted in the Interfaith Hospitality Network mission, and provided shelter in the church for three to five homeless families on a rotating basis with other churches 

A new ministry named “Trinity Troopers Handy Helpers” started for men to donate their labor to help members that had minor household repair needs. 

Trinity supported Revs. Chet and Jodi Cataldo missionaries in Kybartai, Lithuania. 

The first annual Youth Prayer Partner banquet was held in the gym. This event paired every youth (grades 6-12) on Trinity’s active roles with an adult who pledged to pray for them throughout the coming year.

2004 - Eighteen Stephen ministers, who had been trained in 2003, were consecrated. These are lay persons who have the gift of caring. They listen to, pray with and walk with persons who are going through difficult times in their lives.

Market Place for Missions, a UMW annual fund raising event, was initiated to support UMW missions. It included displays of handmade art, crafts and jewelry for sale.

Thirteen Trinity members traveled to Kybartai, Lithuania to advance the partnership for establishing the United Methodist Church in that country.

Trinity conducted an “Operation Iraqi School Supply Kit Program” soliciting 504 kits and the money to ship them to Iraq.

Members participated in a symbolic Holy Week Pilgrimage, walking a Prayer Path in the gymnasium, with pauses for meditation at 11 stations.

Senior High Youth participated in a mission trip to Toronto where they worked with the homeless population there, providing food, assistance and friendship.

A “Faith Formation Task Force was initiated. This group of laity and staff met together for prayer and discernment in looking at the critical facets of faith formation that Trinity wants to encourage in its members

A “Stock the Freezer” event began at Trinity, kicking off Manna a new congregational care program. Members in Ministry prepared and delivered food to convalescing members or those otherwise in need of support.

Rev. Elise Moss, a Trinity associate pastor,was ordained an Elder at the North Alabama Annual Conference.

2005 - Trinity hosted the North Alabama/Lithuania Conference for the development of a partnership in expanding the establishment of United Methodist churches and retreat camps in that country.

Trinity’s leadership conducted a successful capital fund drive for a new church roof, youth and children’s capital needs, and support to the building of the Kybartai, Lithuania church.

Trinity provided personnel and financial support to the modification of a local motel for habitation by those who were victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Rev. Trav Wilson, Trinity Associate Pastor, was ordained elder at the North Alabama Annual Conference.

Trinity’s Church Council approved a Child Protection Policy providing guidance for recruitment, training and ministry with children and youth, and in accordance with the guidance of the North Alabama Conference of the UMC.